The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed the emergence of various strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As per information made available by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) two strains, namely KP.1 and KP.2, have been responsible for recent surges in COVID-19 cases. These strains have evolved from JN1 Omicron variant.
As per reports released by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, a significant 824 cases of the Covid-19 KP mutant strain virus were reported in 12 states of the country till August 05, 2024.
Data made available by National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed Maharashtra being the worst affected with a maximum of 417 cases of the mutant strain virus being detected followed by West Bengal (157), Uttarakhand (64), Rajasthan (48), Gujarat (42), Goa (27), Chattisgarh (24), Odisha (17), Karnataka (14), Uttar Pradesh (12), Tripura (3) and Haryana (1) respectively.
SYMPTOMS
The new strains of virus detected namely KP.1 and KP.2 are highly transmissible that causes symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body ache, and fatigue which were generally not severe. There is no associated increase in hospitalizations or severe cases reported thus far.
MEASURES IN PLACE TO CHECK ITS SPREAD
Government has taken measures to monitor the spread of new strain across the country. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) informed that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), implemented in all 36 States/UTs and responsible for the surveillance of 40 plus epidemic prone diseases, was keeping a close watch and monitoring to assess extent of emerging and re-emerging diseases situation.
163 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories
The Department of Health Research (DHR) has sanctioned a total 163 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across India to improve virus detection and research. The Government has taken various actions to face the challenge in the regard of surge in fresh COVID-19 cases in the country.
Advisories to States
The Centre has issued advisories to States in view of detection of COVID-19 variants in India like the JN.1
• States advised to ensure adequate testing in all districts as per COVID-19 testing guidelines.
• States urged to maintain a state of constant vigil over the COVID situation.
• States advised to ensure adequate testing including higher number of RT-PCR tests; and send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories.
• States asked promote community awareness to seek their continued support in managing COVID-19, including adherence to respiratory hygiene.
• Till 15th June 2024, India has sequenced 336,892 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes out of which 301,451 have been sequenced by INSACOG.
Covid-19 KP mutant strain cases detected till August 05, 2024
| S.No | State/UTs | Cases |
| 1 | Maharashtra | 417 |
| 2 | West Bengal | 157 |
| 3 | Uttarakhand | 64 |
| 4 | Rajasthan | 48 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 42 |
| 6 | Goa | 27 |
| 7 | Chhattisgarh | 24 |
| 8 | Odisha | 17 |
| 9 | Karnataka | 12 |
| 10 | Uttar Pradesh | 12 |
| 11 | Tripura | 3 |
| 12 | Haryana | 1 |
| Total | 824 |
