Four cases of BF.7, the new variant behind China’s surge in Covid cases, have been detected in India, prompting the Center and states to increase their protection against the infectious variant. While the situation in China is alarming, with millions of deaths predicted in the coming months, India’s case will be different, experts hope. All four of these BF.7 cases were detected in the past – in July, September and November. There is no active case of BF.7 in India.
The BF.7 variant and the Covid situation in India
BF.7 is not a new variant and is a sub-line of the Omicron BA.5 variant.There are 10 different variants of SARS-CoV-2 in India and BF.7 is the latest of them. The delta that caused the second wave of the pandemic in India is still there. It is believed to have the strongest infectious ability among the Omicron subvariants. One infected person can spread the Covid infection to 10 to 18 people, given their average reproductive number of 10 to 18.6.
On the other hand, Omicron has an average RO of 5.08. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting and emphasized the need for caution. People have been advised to bring masks in crowded areas.States have strengthened their surveillance and random testing of incoming international travelers will be strengthened again.
Experts point out that China’s situation is different because China had a strict quarantine until last month, due to which herd immunity was not developed. Another factor cited by experts is the vaccines that China administered to its people. All were made in China. There was no increase in the number of daily or weekly positive cases, even though the BF.7 variant was already detected in July in India.
None of the four BF.7 cases in India were serious. The patients recovered in isolation at home and did not require hospitalization. In view of the COVID-19 situation in India, top health officials are of the view that it is time to be cautious and not panic as India is unlikely to experience any new wave due to 3-dose protection and herd immunity.
