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Covid India Updates: New XE variant is here

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Varsha Vats
Varsha VatsApr 11, 2022 | 15:33

Covid India Updates: New XE variant is here

While state governments are busy lifting every possible Covid restriction, the virus seems to be gearing up for a fresh attack. The new Covid mutant, hybrid XE, is believed to be the most transmissible Covid variant till date.

Earlier, a potential XE case was reported in Mumbai. The Mumbai civic body confirmed that it was India’s first XE variant case. However, the Central government hasn't backed the confirmation so far. The sample has been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for further research.

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On Saturday, April 9, another unconfirmed case of XE was reported from Gujarat. The patient tested positive on March 13 and recovered within a week. Further examination is underway to confirm the variant type.

A slight increase in Covid cases has been observed in many states over the past week.

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Illustration: Seemon, DailyO

If you’ve forgotten troublemaker-in-chief Covid, here’s what is happening in India around it that needs your attention:

1. INCREASE IN CASES

After removing the fine for not wearing a mask, Delhi has recorded a 26% increase and Haryana has recorded a 50% increase in weekly Covid cases.

The national capital has reported 943 fresh Covid cases over the past week. On the other hand, its neighbouring state Haryana has reported 514 new infections.

A massive jump has also been reported in Gujarat. The overall count remains low but the state has reported an 89% increase in Covid cases over the last week.

Cases continue to decline in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana. But the declining graph has slowed down over the week.

Earlier, on April 8, the Centre had asked 5 states to keep a strict watch and take pre-emptive actions to control any emerging spread of Covid-19. Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Kerala and Mizoram are the five states that have been asked to stay alert.

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2. SYMPTOMS OF THE XE SUB-VARIANT

According to WHO, XE is the most contagious Covid variant (so far, that is).

The symptoms of the XE mutation are quite similar to that of the Omicron variant which include fever, scratchy throat, cough, cold, skin irritation and sore throat.

XE was first detected in the UK. Symptoms reported by maximum patients are: cold, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.

Other symptoms reported by XE patients are fatigue, lethargy, fever, headache, body pain and palpitations.

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Runny nose, fever and sneezing are a few symptoms of the XE variant

3. COVID IS CHANGING FORMS AND RESURFACING: PM MODI

On Sunday, April 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Covid-19 is still here and keeps resurfacing. He also urged people not to let their guard down in the battle against the pandemic.

“It is a bahrupiya disease. To stop this, nearly 185 crore doses (of vaccines) were administered, which surprised the world. This has been made possible due to your support,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the Mahapatotsav programme of Maa Umiya Dham at Vanthali in Gujarat's Junagadh district via video conferencing.

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4. THERE IS AN XM VARIANT TOO

The XE variant has been in the news lately. But there is another new variant, known as XM.

So far, two cases of the XM variant have been reported in India, one each in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is also a sub-variant of Omicron.

However, the transmissibility and severity of the XM variant are yet to be determined.

5. INDIA’S CURRENT CASELOAD

The country has reported 861 Covid cases in the past 24 hours. India’s daily positivity rate remains at 0.32%.

There are currently 11,058 active Covid cases in the country. The recovery rate stands at 98.76%.

As of now, the best way to keep Covid at bay is still the same: mask up.

Last updated: April 11, 2022 | 15:33
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