“Maharashtra Reports First Cases of Omicron Sub-Lineages B.A.4 and B.A.5”
“Mild Sub-Lineages Detected in Pune with No Cause for Concern”
For the first time in Maharashtra, the state health department announced the detection of four patients with the B.A.4 sub-lineage and three cases of the B.A.5 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. These sub-lineages, though mild, mark an important development in the state’s battle against the pandemic.
“Genome Sequencing by Institute of Science Education and Research Confirms Findings”
The Institute of Science Education and Research conducted the whole genome sequencing and the Indian Biological Data Centre in Faridabad confirmed the presence of the B.A.4 and B.A.5 sub-lineages in seven patients from Pune. Among them, four were infected with B.A.4 and the rest with B.A.5. Notably, all six adults were fully vaccinated, while the child was unvaccinated.
“Travel History of Detected Cases Revealed”
Of the seven patients, two had traveled to South Africa and Belgium, and three had visited Kerala and Karnataka. However, two others had no recent travel history, indicating possible community transmission of the sub-lineages within the state.
“Epidemiologist Reassures Public About Mild Nature of Omicron Sub-Lineages”
Dr. Pradeep Awate, the State Surveillance Officer, emphasized that both B.A.4 and B.A.5 sub-lineages are known for being mild. He urged the public not to worry about these variants, though they are highly transmissible, contributing to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
