India Monitors New XFG COVID Variant Amid Rising Cases

New variant raises concern

India Monitors New XFG COVID Variant Amid Rising Cases: India is once again on alert with the emergence of the XFG variant of the coronavirus. By June 2025, health authorities have confirmed 163 cases, with Maharashtra reporting the highest count at 89. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has officially verified this new variant’s presence. With 6,815 active COVID-19 cases nationwide and three deaths in the last 24 hours, the focus is now on containment and preparedness.

Understanding the XFG variant

The XFG strain is a recombinant variant, formed from the merging of two previous strains, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. This variant includes four mutations in its spike protein, making it more transmissible than earlier forms. It’s a descendant of the Omicron family, first spotted in Canada, and has since been spreading globally. Experts have noted that its evolution is similar to other fast-moving Omicron strains.

States reporting rising infections

Beyond Maharashtra, several states have seen growing case numbers. Tamil Nadu has reported 16 cases, followed by Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and six cases each from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Telangana has also joined the list with one confirmed case. These figures highlight how widespread surveillance and early detection are crucial.

Symptoms and severity

Good news is that the clinical impact appears mild, especially among vaccinated individuals or those who’ve previously had COVID-19. Most patients report upper respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat, mild cough, or congestion. The hospitalisation rate remains low, which health officials see as a positive sign. Interestingly, COVID-19 still accounts for 66% of respiratory infections in India.

How XFG compares with JN.1?

The JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron BA.2.86, is different from XFG. It carries around 30 spike protein mutations and has caused case surges across Asia. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated JN.1 as a variant of interest, XFG has not received that status yet. Despite that, its growing spread has drawn international attention.

Government steps up response

India’s Union Health Ministry has taken a proactive stance. Mock drills are underway across hospitals to test oxygen availability, isolation beds, and essential medicines. States have also been directed to monitor influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Most infections remain mild and manageable at home, but healthcare systems are preparing for all outcomes.

Current COVID trends in India

Since January 2025, India has recorded 65 COVID-related deaths. Interestingly, late May saw only 257 active cases, a number that has now sharply increased. Authorities are focusing on genomic sequencing and real-time data monitoring to stay ahead of any sudden changes.

Static GK Fact: India’s INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) was set up in December 2020 to monitor variants through genome sequencing.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table