Experts Track Mutations In XBB.1.16, The New Child Of Omicron Recombinant

Experts Track Mutations In XBB.1.16:-

India records highest daily count of Covid-19 cases in six months:

India has reported its highest daily count of Covid-19 cases in over six months, with 5,335 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total tally to 4.47 crore. 

The active caseload stands at 25,587, while the death toll has reached 5,30,929. Experts believe the recent surge may be due to the XBB.1.16 variant. According to reports, the WHO is monitoring the XBB.1.5 variant. 

The health ministry website reports that 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far, with a recovery rate of 98.75%. The case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19%, and the daily positivity rate is 3.32%, with the weekly positivity rate at 2.89%.

In Lucknow, 24 new Covid infections were reported from across the state capital, and the district health education officer urged patients to stay in isolated but ventilated rooms to ensure they do not share any items. In Uttar Pradesh, 163 new Covid cases were reported, and the state's overall active caseload crossed the 700 mark.

XBB.1.16 variant suspected to be behind the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India:

According to experts, the XBB.1.16 variant, also known as the Omicron recombinant, is picking up additional mutations on its spike, which could help it gain further growth advantage. The latest strain has been given the name XBB.1.16 and is considered a "descendant" of XBB.1.16.1, with an additional T547I mutation.

Centre to hold an inter-state meeting to assess Covid-19 preparedness as cases continue to rise:

The Centre has called for an inter-state meeting later in the week to review the Covid-19 situation and assess preparedness as the continuing rise in cases is a matter of concern, even though there hasn't been any significant increase in the rate of hospitalization. 

Maharashtra reported four deaths, while Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Rajasthan each reported one death. Kerala has added four previous deaths to its records after reconciling the data.