It was just when we thought that Coronavirus days were coming to an end and we could breathe a sigh of relief from COVID restrictions; there were reports of yet another virulent Omicron subvariant BF.7 cases were detected in India. According to news reports, the strain is driving an extreme spell of COVID-19 cases in China. Currently, 4 cases are reported in India, per the media reports.
What Is The Omicron Subvariant BF.7?
BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5 and has the fiercest infection ability, as it is highly transmissible, has a significantly shorter period of incubation, and a higher possibility to cause reinfection or affects even people who are vaccinated.
Also Read: What Is XBB Omicron Variant? Symptoms, Severity, And Chances Of Hospitalization
Omicron Subvariant BF.7 Cases In India
The first case of this highly infectious strain was detected in Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre earlier in October. With three cases in Gujarat and one in Odisha, the number currently stands at 4 in India. According to the Gujarat state health department officials, the three Omicron BF.7 cases were reported from July-November this year. All three patients were treated in home isolation and completely recovered. The case in Odisha was also detected earlier this year, and the patient has been treated.
Though it hasn't created a panic wave so far, the new Omicron subvariant BF.7 is known to spread rapidly and has a shorter incubation period. It has been stated that this variant will infect about 60% of the populace in China in the next three months. BF.7 subvariant is rapidly spreading in Beijing and is contributing to a more significant surge of infections in China.
Also, Omicron sub-variant BF.7 are reported in several other countries, including the US, UK, and European nations like Belgium, Germany, France, and Denmark.
In the COVID-19 review meeting presided over by Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, officials stated that though there is no overall surge in the caseload, there is a need for constant surveillance to keep a record of existing and emerging variants. Further, the minister asked people to follow COVID-appropriate protocols, including wearing masks in crowded places and getting vaccinated.
Observing that only 28% of India's eligible populace have taken booster doses, NITI Aayog member(health) Dr. V.K Paul, after the meeting, told the media that people should take the shot and wear masks in crowded places.
Is Omicron Subvariant BF.7 More Dangerous Than Previous Strains?
Well, the two sub-variants of Omicron, BA.1 and BA.2, evolved. BA.2 is differentiated into other forms, including BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.75. And the BF.7, which is now making a huge rise in China, is a progression of BA.4/5.
As per the World Health Organization bulletin on the global COVID -19 situation issued last week on December 14, it has only mentioned five "relevant" sub-variants but does not mention BF.7, hence nothing about its evading neutralization capacity. The BF.7 has remained stable almost elsewhere it evolved, except in China.
What Are The Symptoms Of BF.7?
An infection with BF.7 subvariant will result in similar symptoms to other Omicron variants, which include fever, fatigue, and upper respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
In a few cases, patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea. And people with a compromised immune system may suffer from a severe illness when affected by BF.7 subvariant.
What Mutations Lead To BF.7?
A particular mutation called R346T, in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, resulted in the making of the BF.7 subvariant. This mutation is also observed in BF. 7's "parent" variant BA.5 and has been known to be linked with augmenting the capacity of the COVID-19 virus to escape neutralizing antibodies made by vaccines or earlier infection with coronavirus.
As per the study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe in November of this year, BF.7 has increased neutralization resistance. The study examined the neutralization of BF.7 in the sera of triple-vaccinated healthcare workers and patients affected by Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 waves. Sera is the liquid part of the blood proteins and clotting factor that have been removed. The N460K mutation is the most crucial factor behind the higher neutralization resistance of BF.7.
Even though the immune-evasive traits of BF.7 and concerning signs about its progression in China, the Omicron subvariant remains steady in other parts of the globe. For instance, in the US, BF.7 is projected to account for 5.7% of infections until December 10.
What Are The Precautionary Measures To Follow?
We are all aware of the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour measures, but still, a few people need to adopt them. The government has urged people to follow the COVID protocols and get vaccinated. Senior citizens and people with comorbid conditions should take extra safety measures while visiting public places. It is essential to get vaccinated and continue to follow preventive measures for curbing the transmission of the virus, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, washing hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer.
As a precautionary step, the government has from Wednesday restarted random testing of international passengers at airports across the nation for coronavirus.
