Omicron sub-variant BA.5 is still dominant in Tamil Nadu

BA.2.75, a sub-lineage of Omicron, has registered an increased presence in August

September 19, 2022 10:27 pm | Updated September 20, 2022 12:13 am IST - CHENNAI

In August, BA.5 was found in 66.3% of the samples sequenced and BA.2.75 was detected in 19.1% of the samples. 

In August, BA.5 was found in 66.3% of the samples sequenced and BA.2.75 was detected in 19.1% of the samples.  | Photo Credit: iStockphoto

Omicron sub-variant BA.5 continues to be the dominant variant in circulation in Tamil Nadu. But BA.2.75, a newer sub-lineage of Omicron that was detected in less than 5% of the samples analysed in July, showed an increased presence in August with 19.1% of the samples testing positive for the sub-variant, latest Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has found.

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine’s WGS-SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern reported that the State, as of September 11, showed that the Omicron sub-variant BA.5 was the dominant variant in circulation in June, July and August. From being detected in 47% samples in June, it was found in 77.9% samples sent for genomic analysis in July, and in 66.3% samples in August.

The newer Omicron sub-lineage BA.2.75 was detected in more samples in August when compared to July. In July, it was detected in 4.2% of the 1,650 samples sequenced and in 19.1% of the 282 samples sequenced in August.

Other sub-variants

The other sub-variants found in the August analysis included BA.2 (4.6% of samples) and BA.2.74 (2.1%).

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine T.S. Selvavinayagam said samples lifted from eight places and testing positive for COVID-19 such as unusual presentation, child mortality, death without co-morbidities, clusters, same source of infection in addition to two percent international travellers, continue to be sent for genomic sequencing in the State.

“Tamil Nadu is the only State in the country to have the capacity to do whole genome sequencing on our own,” he said, adding: “The ratio of BA.2.75 sub-variant among the samples sequenced has increased. We are trying to link it with the present clinical situation in the State. Though we are noticing symptomatic COVID-19 cases in two to three districts, we are not very sure. The epidemiological behaviour of COVID-19 remains the same.”

He said that it was important to continue adherence to COVID-19-appropriate behaviour and getting vaccinated.

Top News Today

Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.