Insacog

India logs 1,640 cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1: INSACOG

Data compiled by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) showed Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of JN.1 cases at 477 followed by Karnataka at 249.

923 cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1 reported from 15 states: INSACOG

Telangana and Rajasthan have recorded 32 JN.1 cases each, Chhattisgarh has recorded 25, Tamil Nadu 22, Delhi 16, Haryana five, Odisha three, West Bengal two and Uttarakhand one.

Covid sub-variant JN.1: INSACOG says 196 cases detected in country

Ten states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

436 cases of XBB1.16.1 mutated sub-variant found in India: INSACOG

XBB1.16.1 is a mutation of Omicron's infectious XBB1.16 variant. The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant.

234 cases of XBB1.16.1 mutated sub-variant found in country: INSACOG

The XBB1.16.1 has been found across 13 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana, the data showed.

COVID-19: Experts stress weeks ahead crucial as cases creep up in many states

In light of a rising trend in influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses being witnessed in many states, the Centre also called an interdepartmental review meeting last week

5 cases of Covid's XBB.1.5 variant found in India: INSACOG

Of the five, three cases were found in Gujarat and one each in Karnataka and Rajasthan, according to INSACOG figures on Tuesday.

Omicron's XBB most prevalent sub-lineage circulating all over India: INSACOG bulletin

According to the bulletin, BA.2.75 and BA.2.10 were also circulating but in lesser extent.

INSACOG closely assessing situation, vigilant on COVID mutant: NK Arora

The co-chair of Indiá’s coronavirus genomic surveillance programme says a coordinated assessment has helped India detect several variants and contain outbreaks in the past

Omicron sub-variant BA.2.75 dominant in Delhi; caution advised for those with low immunity, underlying diseases

Sometimes referred to as the Centaurus, Omicron sub-variant BA.2.75 was first detected in May in India but has since been identified in at least 20 other countries

COVID-19 test positivity rate shoots over 10% in 144 districts; watching hospitalisation, death patterns in states, says govt

In some districts in the northeast, the test positivity rate is as high as 60-100 percent, according to data from the Union health ministry

Weekly COVID-19 cases rises 20% in India; active cases up by over 18%

As of May 31, active coronavirus infections have risen in 16 states and UTs, with Kerala registering the highest increase.

COVID-19 surveillance reports disrupted for three months after ministry sought to vet bulletins

The health ministry’s interference is said to have been triggered by a report that said the Omicron variant was in community transmission in India. It was also unhappy with a previous bulletin that recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for all above 40 years

Over 2 lakh genome of SARS-CoV-2 sequenced by INSACOG: Govt

Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said 17 COVID-19 bio-repositories have been notified by the government.

Closely following COVID trajectory globally, says govt

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar further said the network of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) of laboratories is undertaking whole genome sequencing of samples for a timely detection of the mutant variants of the virus.

Active COVID-19 cases in India fall below 30,000, but Centre asks states to step up surveillance efforts

The health ministry has also urged states that in the wake of rising case trajectory in some countries, there should be continued focus on the test, track, treat, vaccination against coronavirus and adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour

Omicron’s BA.2 lineage found in 82% COVID-19 samples in India

The BA.2 lineage differs from BA.1 in its genetic sequence, including some amino acid differences in the spike protein and other proteins. Studies so far have shown that BA.2 has a growth advantage over BA.1 but whether it is capable of causing more severe disease is yet to be conclusively established

India’s INSACOG on alert as Deltracon variant now reported from 3 countries

The first reports of Deltracon emerged from Cyprus earlier this year but were dismissed as result of possible contamination of samples. Scientists around the world, including in India, however are now closely watching whether Deltacron can pose fresh threat.

No clear evidence yet on Omicron's transmissibility, immune evasion, severity in India: INSACOG

The consortium said that while there are some indicators that the disease may be milder with Omicron, there is insufficient data to determine whether this is because of prior infections or vaccination.

COVID-19 : More experiments needed to assess impact of booster doses, says INSACOG

The country's top genome sequencing had however a few days back recommended the consideration of booster doses for 40 years of age and over, first targeting the most high-risk / high-exposure.

Consider booster dose for those above 40: INSACOG

The recommendation was made in the weekly bulletin of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), a network of national testing labs set up by the government to monitor genomic variations of COVID-19.

Omicron threat | Centre tells states to conduct surveillance of travellers coming from 'at risk' countries

Among other things -- including enhanced testing, maintenance of covid appropriate behaviour, identification of hotspots and adequate availability of health facilities -- the Health Secretary also asked the states that all positive samples of travellers from at risk nations should be sent for genome sequencing.