As reported by Indian SARS-COV-2 Genomics Consortium, the group of genetic laboratories that are working to find new variants of SARS-C0V-2 from Covid infected patients in India, the first case of new variant Omicron BA 4 variant was identified in Hyderabad. The sample of a Covid-positive person was collected on the 9th of this month.
The BA 4 and BA 5 variants of Omicron belonged to the 5th wave of Covid in South Africa. On May 12, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC), which strengthens Europe’s defenses against infectious disease, declared BA4 and BA5 Omicron variants as Variants of Concern. Regarding BA4 and BA5 variants, the ECDPC said that clear proof is available for these variants, indicating a significant impact on transmissibility, severity, and immunity that seems to have an influence on the epidemiological situation in the EU/EEA.
South Africa is the first country to identify BA 4 and BA 5 variants in January and February respectively. They have become the causes of swift Covid surges in the surrounding regions like the US, UK, Denmark, Germany, and others. The impact of the BA 4 variant could be felt in two weeks.
Both BA 4 and BA 5 variants have the capability to eliminate immunity generated from the previous infection, and these are unique from the original category of the Omicron. The two variants have replaced the BA 2 variant of the Omicron, which was the active circulating virus in many nations. Currently, the BA 2 variant is the dominant strain in Telangana and other Indian states.