XBB.1.16 has potential to drive fresh Covid wave? Former AIIMS director answers

A total of 76 samples of XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus have been found which might be behind the recent rise of cases in the country, according to INSACOG data.

Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria on Wednesday said the new XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus could be driving the recent rise in Covid-19 cases but stressed there was no need to worry as long as it doesn't lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and deaths.

The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant while in February a total of 59 samples were found. (Representative Image/ HT Archive)

"New variants will keep coming as the virus keeps on mutating over the time and the XBB 1.16 is sort of a "new kid on the block", Guleria told PTI in an interview.

"... As long as they don't lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and deaths, it is alright because it helps in giving some degree of immunity to the population if they have mild illness," the renowned pulmonologist, who was part of the national Covid task force, said.

India has been reporting a slight rise in Covid cases, triggering fears of another wave of pandemic in a country that has removed all virus-induced restrictions. India recorded 1,134 new fresh infections on Tuesday, the highest in 138 days, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to the updated Union health ministry data.

When asked about whether XBB.1.16 variant has the potential to drive a fresh Covid wave in the next few days, he said, "You may see a surge in number of cases" but then they may be underreported.

"Now even if they have flu-like symptoms, most people don't get themselves tested. Some use the rapid antigen test, and even if they are positive they do not report it. So the number we are actually reporting may be less than the actual number in the community," he added, advising those testing positive to report the data.

"So even if we see surge, there is no need to worry, as long it does not translate into hospitalization and deaths it is alright," he said.

His comments come on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to assess the Covid and Influenza situation in the country and also took stock of the public health preparedness. The prime minister emphasized Covid appropriate behaviour including wearing of masks in hospital premises by both patients, health professionals and health workers.

(With PTI inputs)