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The World Health Organisation (<keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">WHO</keyword>) has announced that <keyword id="22989608" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="M-Pox" source="keywords">M-Pox</keyword> will continue to be classified as a <keyword id="21952478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-health-emergency" source="keywords">public health emergency</keyword> of international concern (PHEIC), citing a resurgence in cases and the virus's ongoing geographic spread. The high-alert status initially declared in August, was reaffirmed following a meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee, The Express Tribune reported on Friday. The decision comes as M-Pox cases surge, particularly with the spread of the <keyword id="22875864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clade-Ib-variant" source="keywords">clade Ib variant</keyword> beyond its origin in the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring African nations, Europe, and Asia. "Rising case numbers, the continuing geographic spread, and the need for a cohesive response have made it essential to maintain this emergency status," the WHO said in its statement. Confirmed cases of clade Ib have been detected in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and India, highlighting the global scale of the outbreak, reported The Express Tribune. M-Pox, a viral disease transmitted through close contact, presents flu-like symptoms and lesions. Although typically mild, it can be fatal, particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare. Over 46,000 suspected cases have been reported this year in Africa, with Congo accounting for the majority of the more than 1,000 suspected deaths. The new PHEIC declaration underscores the global threat posed by clade Ib and follows earlier alerts related to a separate strain during the 2022-2023 outbreak. In response to growing concerns, the WHO has expanded vaccine authorisations. Bavarian Nordic's <keyword id="24137585" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="M-Pox-vaccine" source="keywords">M-Pox vaccine</keyword> was approved earlier this year, with Japan's KM Biologics' vaccine added to the list of emergency-use vaccines in September. WHO officials have faced criticism for delays in <keyword id="21847727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine-distribution" source="keywords">vaccine distribution</keyword> but stressed that vaccination remains a cornerstone of global response efforts, The Express Tribune reported. "The emergency status underscores the urgency to mount a unified global response," a WHO spokesperson stated. The organisation urged countries and health partners to collaborate on widespread vaccination campaigns and enhance public awareness to curb the virus's spread effectively.

M-Pox remains public health emergency: WHO

As many as 290 cases of <keyword id="21545939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KP-2" source="keywords">KP.2</keyword> and 34 cases of <keyword id="21748081" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KP-1" source="keywords">KP.1</keyword>, both sub-lineages of COVID-19 that are responsible for surge in cases in Singapore, have been found in India, according to official data. However, a source in the Union health ministry told PTI that they are all sub variants of <keyword id="20115417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="JN1" source="keywords">JN1</keyword> and there is no associated increase in hospitalisation and severe cases. "So there is no reason for concern or panic. The mutations will keep happening at a rapid pace and this is the natural behaviour of viruses like SARS-CoV2," the source said. The source further said that the INSACOG surveillance is sensitive and is able to pick up the emergence of any new variant and samples are also picked from hospitals in a structured manner to detect any change in the severity of disease due to virus. Data compiled by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) showed that 34 cases of KP.1 have been found across seven states and UTs with 23 cases registered from West Bengal. The other states are Goa (1), Gujarat (2), Haryana (1), Maharashtra (4) Rajasthan (2) and Uttarakhand (1). As many as 290 cases of KP.2 have been registered with Maharashtra reporting the highest number at 148, according to the data. The other states and Union territories are Delhi (1), Goa (12), Gujarat (23), Haryana (3), Karnataka (4), Madhya Pradesh (1), Odisha (17), Rajasthan (21), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (16) and West Bengal (36). Singapore is seeing a new COVID-19 wave as the authorities recorded more than 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11 with KP.1 and KP.2 accounting for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. Globally, the predominant COVID-19 variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. KP.1 and KP.2 belong to a group of COVID-19 variants scientists have nicknamed 'FLiRT', after the technical names of their mutations. The strains in FLiRT are all descendants of the JN.1 variant, an offshoot of the Omicron variant. KP.2 was classified by the World Health Organization as a Variant Under Monitoring.

290 cases of COVID-19 variant KP.2, 34 cases of KP.1 detected in India: INSACOG data

<keyword id="19897423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="keywords">COVID-19</keyword>, the unwelcome guest that never quite leaves, may well be in the process of ushering in a fresh global wave, with <keyword id="6356662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="singapore" source="Orion">Singapore</keyword> potentially on the front lines. The Singapore government is on alert, with its Ministry of Health reporting a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. There was a doubling of infections in the first half of May, with the numbers increasing from 13,700 in the first week of this month to 25,900 in the second (May 5 to 11). Hospitalisations have also spiked, with average daily admissions rising from 181 to around 250 in the same period. To manage hospital bed capacity, public hospitals have been directed to reduce non-urgent elective surgeries and transfer suitable patients to care facilities. Health Minister <keyword id="19895083" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ong-Ye-Kung" source="keywords">Ong Ye Kung</keyword> has indicated that Singapore is in the early stages of this wave, which is expected to peak between mid- and end-June. Recognising Singapore's role as a major transport and communications hub, Ong has acknowledged that the city-state is likely to experience COVID-19 waves earlier than other regions. An uptick in infection numbers has also been observed in the neighbouring countries as well, including Philippines. However, no alarming rise in hospitalisation has been reported yet. Regional reports are attributing this surge to new COVID-19 variants, collectively termed FLiRT. This name is based on the technical names for their mutations, one of which includes the letters "F" and "L", and another, the letters "R" and "T". The FLiRT group comprises of variants KP.1, KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.1 and JN.1.7. At present, KP.1 and KP.2 make up over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. While the WHO has classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring, there is no evidence suggesting these variants are more transmissible or cause more severe illness than existing strains. Nevertheless, Ong has urged high-risk groups, including those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents of aged care facilities, to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose if they haven't been vaccinated in the past year. The public has also been advised to consider wearing masks again. Ong emphasised that there are no current plans for social restrictions, as Singapore treats COVID-19 as an <keyword id="21743830" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="endemic-disease" source="keywords">endemic disease</keyword>. He noted that additional measures would only be considered as a last resort. “COVID-19 is just something that we have to live with. Every year, we should expect one or two waves,” he said. Meanwhile, 91 cases of the <keyword id="21640619" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FLiRT-variants" source="keywords">FLiRT variants</keyword> have been detected in India. However, there have been no reports of severe cases or unique symptoms associated with these variants so far. (With inputs from TOI)

FLiRT-ing with pandemic! With a sharp rise in COVID cases, could Singapore be witnessing the start of a global wave?

Geneva [Switzerland], August 19 (ANI): World Health Organization (WHO) designated <keyword id="18456567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-variant-ba-2-86" source="Orion">COVID-19 variant BA.2.86</keyword> as a 'variant under monitoring' due to the large number of mutations it carries. The WHO said on Friday that they are tracking 3 variants of interest and 7 variants under monitoring at the moment. "WHO continues to call for better surveillance, sequencing, and reporting of #COVID19 as this virus continues to circulate and evolve," the WHO said in a tweet. Who further stated that it needed more data to understand this COVID19 variant and the extent of its spread, but the number of mutations warrants attention. Recently, the latest variant, EG.5 (also known as Eris), has grabbed the attention of public health experts around the world and is becoming a dominant strain in countries including the United States and Britain. The variant is causing about 17 per cent of the new Covid-19 cases in the country compared to 16 per cent for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, according to the latest estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CNN reported. The new variant is a spinoff of the XBB recombinant strain of the Omicron family. According to the WHO, all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus's properties. However, some changes may affect the virus's properties, such as how easily it spreads, the associated disease severity, or the performance of vaccines, therapeutic medicines, diagnostic tools, or other public health and social measures. In June 2020, the WHO Virus Evolution Working Group was established with a specific focus on SARS-CoV-2 variants, their phenotype and their impact on countermeasures. This later became the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution. In late 2020, the emergence of variants that posed an increased risk to global public health prompted WHO to characterize some as variants of interest (VOIs) and variants of concern (VOCs) to prioritize global monitoring and research and to inform and adjust the COVID-19 response. From May 2021 onwards, WHO began assigning simple, easy-to-say labels for key variants. Considerable progress has been made in establishing and strengthening a global system to detect signals of potential VOIs or VOCs and rapidly assess the risk posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants to public health. It remains critical that these systems are maintained, and data are shared, according to good principles and in a timely fashion, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate at high levels around the world. While monitoring the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 globally, it also remains essential to monitor their spread in animal populations and chronically infected individuals, which are crucial aspects of the global strategy to reduce the occurrence of mutations that have negative public health implications. In March 2023, WHO updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of concern, variants of interest and variants under monitoring, as per WHO. (ANI)

WHO designates Covid's BA.2.86 as 'variant under monitoring'

Amidst the global focus on the COVID-19 <keyword id="43587" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pandemic" source="Orion">pandemic</keyword> in 2020, a new and concerning viral threat emerged, largely unnoticed. While attention was diverted, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, <keyword id="13234273" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="h5n1" source="Orion">H5N1</keyword>, quietly evolved into a new variant, labelled 2.3.4.4b, presenting a significant development in its transmission pattern. A recent study has unveiled a startling revelation: H5N1, traditionally associated with <keyword id="20838242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="avian-populations" source="keywords">avian populations</keyword>, has breached into marine mammals. Instances of the virus have been detected in marine animals along the Atlantic coast of South America, prompting concerns over potential transmission to humans. Researchers conducted an analysis of brain samples from deceased animals in an affected sea lion rookery in Argentina. Alarmingly, all samples, encompassing sea lions, fur seals, and terns, tested positive for H5N1, specifically the 2.3.4.4b variant. This mutation is notable for its ability to infect both avian and marine species, indicating a concerning adaptability of the virus. Scientists fear the likelihood of a multi-species outbreak as the virus infiltrates diverse food chains within the region. Previous observations of similar mutations in sea lions from Peru and Chile, as well as a singular human case in Chile, underscore the gravity of this development. Termed a "New onster" by senior author Marcela Uhart, the variant initiated mass die-offs among seabirds in Europe before spreading globally, eventually reaching South America in 2022. The true extent of the virus's impact became evident in August 2023 when it ravaged sea lion populations at the southern tip of the continent, subsequently spreading northward. Mortality rates among marine mammals, particularly elephant seal pups, soared to alarming levels, reaching 96% in surveyed areas by November 2023. Since its introduction to South America, H5N1 has claimed the lives of over six lakh wild birds and 50,000 marine mammals. While <keyword id="8626520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-transmission" source="Orion">human transmission</keyword> remains relatively low-risk, ongoing replication within mammalian hosts poses a concerning escalation of the threat. As the virus progresses southward, scientists express grave concerns regarding its potential impact on <keyword id="19945467" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="antarctica" source="keywords">Antarctica</keyword>'s unique wildlife, notably penguins. To address this looming threat, surveillance efforts are underway in Antarctica to monitor the virus's spread and its potential consequences on vulnerable species. These findings have been published in Emerging Infectious Diseases.

New variant of H5N1 bird flu spreads to marine mammals, heightening concerns for human transmission

<ul><li>The latest data from <keyword id="10505450" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="INSACOG" source="Orion">INSACOG</keyword> reveals that three samples from Gujarat and one each from Karnataka and Rajasthan <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/xbb-1-5-tally-up-to-5-says-insacog-patients-show-mild-symptoms/articleshow/96692874.cms">tested positive</a> for the new <keyword id="15929505" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="XBB-1-5-variant" source="Orion">XBB.1.5 variant</keyword>. </li><li>An official said that all three patients who tested positive in Gujarat recovered within a few days of quarantine. </li><li> <keyword id="15232061" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="xbb" source="Orion">XBB</keyword>’s descendant variant XBB.1.5 is said to have a higher transmission rate compared to other variants, as per experts.</li></ul>Omicron’s sub-variant XBB.1.5 has officially entered India and its tally has gone up to five cases till now. Gujarat reported the first case on December 31, according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The latest data from INSACOG reveals that three samples from Gujarat and one each from Karnataka and Rajasthan <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/xbb-1-5-tally-up-to-5-says-insacog-patients-show-mild-symptoms/articleshow/96692874.cms">tested positive</a> for the new XBB.1.5 variant. This variant of Omicron is also behind the surge in Covid cases and hospitalisations in the US, accounting for <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-confirms-first-case-of-omicron-variant-xbb-1-5-thats-behind-us-surge/articleshow/96637832.cms">3.6%</a> of the total cases reported last week. “So far, nothing unusual has been reported in the five patients infected with XBB.1.5 though we are currently assessing the clinical data. Many mutations are being reported in Omicron, but as of now, there is no indication that these newer sub-variants will cause something adverse in India,” according to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/xbb-1-5-tally-up-to-5-says-insacog-patients-show-mild-symptoms/articleshow/96692874.cms">INSACOG</a> officials. Another official from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) told the Times of India that all three patients who tested positive in Gujarat recovered within a few days of quarantine. XBB is a recombinant of two BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron. According to the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO), this variant has a global prevalence of 1.3% and it has been detected in 35 countries. However, XBB’s descendant variant XBB.1.5 is said to have a higher transmission rate than other variants, as per US scientist Eric Topol. <div type="twitter" handle="EricTopol" handlename="Eric Topol" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1589325138960318464/2OwvQAWC_normal.jpg" favoritecount="524" retweetcount="164" status="I reviewed all we know about the XBB.1.5 variant 10 days ago, w/its high transmissibilityhttps://t.co/mnaA3kemLpT… https://t.co/wyovgkPJ9D" createdat="1672706618000" id="1610074371581972480"></div> <keyword id="12877836" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Eric-Feigl-Ding" source="Orion">Eric Feigl-Ding</keyword>, an epidemiologist and health economist, also tweeted that the new sub-variant XBB.1.5 spreads much faster than the XBB and BQ variants of Covid-19. <div type="twitter" handle="DrEricDing" handlename="Eric Feigl-Ding" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1516900105613422592/VflZHQ1Y_normal.jpg" favoritecount="4922" retweetcount="2458" status="📝Recap why #XBB15 (storming 🇺🇸&amp;🇬🇧) is a super variant:📍among most immunity-evasive ‘escape variants’ to date📍on… https://t.co/0bOHjVsdva" createdat="1672526789000" id="1609320112582021120"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vaccines and precautions" comment="subhead" text="Vaccines and precautions">Vaccines and precautions</cmsannotation> XBB variant is already driving up Covid cases in many parts of Asia including India. It is currently the dominant variant and circulating all over the country, according to INSACOG. India's active caseload currently stands at 2,582, with 134 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry data. “Reports have shown that these sub-variants are causing more re-infection rather than a high severity,” Dr Aditya S Chowti, senior consultant - internal medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, told Business Insider India. The XBB variant, which is already spreading in the country, may trigger a new wave in the country. “XBB is very immune-evasive, which means it can overcome the antibodies. So, we may see another wave of infections in some countries because of XBB,” Dr Laxman Jessani, consultant, infectious disease, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai told Business Insider India. The available vaccines in the market for Covid-19 are found to be ‘partially effective’, Dr Jessani said. “It’s important to know that vaccines protect against the worst cases of Covid-19 and the latest booster is expected to be effective against these variants. Unvaccinated people, as well as those who are elderly or immunocompromised, remain at highest risk,” Dr Jessani added. India has so far administered 220 crore Covid-19 doses including first, second and booster shots. Amid a sudden surge in cases, doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) suggested the government must approve a fourth Covid shot, which would be the second booster dose, if approved. However, government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/no-second-covid-19-booster-dose-required-govt-sources/articleshow/96701441.cms">source</a>s said on Tuesday, that no second booster dose was currently required, adding, “First we have to complete the booster drive in the country." As cases are witnessing a massive surge in various parts of the world, the Indian government has also mandated the submission of RT-PCR reports for all overseas travellers coming from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. The government also made it compulsory for travellers to upload their health status from January 1, 2023 on its Air Suvidha website. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/this-startup-which-lends-to-the-rural-middle-class-raises-35-million-in-a-series-c-round/articleshow/96704383.cms">This startup which lends to the rural middle class raises $35 million in a Series C round</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/bharatpe-ceo-suhail-sameer-to-step-down-five-months-after-taking-over/articleshow/96703750.cms">BharatPe CEO Suhail Sameer to step down five months after taking over</a>

India’s case tally of new Omicron variant XBB.1.5 reaches five — Here’s what you need to know

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> has reported its first confirmed case of <keyword id="20134986" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Monkeypox" source="keywords">Monkeypox</keyword> (<keyword id="20965747" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mpox" source="keywords">Mpox</keyword>) caused by the highly transmissible <keyword id="22812233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Clade-1B" source="keywords">Clade 1B</keyword> strain, marking a significant moment in the country’s ongoing battle against the <keyword id="20542503" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="viral-disease" source="keywords">viral disease</keyword>. According to sources in the <keyword id="19896140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Health-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Health Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Health Ministry">Health Ministry</keyword>, this case involves a patient from <keyword id="19896018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala" source="keywords">Kerala</keyword> <keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">who</keyword> had recently returned from Dubai. The World Health Organization (WHO) had recently raised concerns about the spread of Mpox, classifying it as a disease of international concern, especially as new, more infectious strains emerge. While Mpox has appeared in India before, all prior cases were linked to the less deadly Clade II strain. <h2>A new, more <keyword id="22892041" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transmissible-strain" source="keywords">transmissible strain</keyword></h2>The case in Kerala is the first in India involving Clade 1B, a variant known for its higher transmission rate and increased mortality compared to previous strains. A Health Ministry official confirmed that the patient is currently in stable condition and that rigorous contact tracing efforts are underway to prevent further spread. This response follows India’s earlier experience with Mpox, where over 30 cases were recorded between 2022 and 2024, predominantly from travellers returning from African nations where the disease remains endemic. <h2>Mpox symptoms and spread</h2>Mpox manifests through typical viral symptoms, including fever, headaches, and muscle pain, eventually leading to skin rashes or lesions. These rashes often emerge a few days after the fever and vary in appearance, sometimes resembling fluid-filled blisters that crust over and heal within a few weeks. However, while symptoms usually resolve without intervention, the disease can lead to serious complications and, in rare instances, death. Unlike COVID-19 or influenza, Mpox is not airborne. Its primary mode of transmission is through close physical contact, particularly skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing. Sexual transmission is also a significant factor in the spread of the disease. Health experts stress the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices and ensuring that caregivers use personal protective equipment when attending to infected individuals. <h2>Health Ministry's preparedness</h2>In light of this new development, the Indian government is taking preventive measures to contain the situation. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has issued directives to states and Union Territories, urging them to ensure isolation facilities are readily available for suspected or confirmed cases. These measures also include ramping up resources such as trained healthcare personnel and medical supplies. While there is no immediate risk of a widespread outbreak, authorities are adopting a cautious approach to avoid any potential escalation. Recent cases, such as one involving a resident of Hisar, Haryana, demonstrate the country’s ongoing efforts to monitor, isolate, and treat Mpox cases effectively. (With inputs from agencies)

More transmissible, higher fatality rate: India records first case of fast-spreading Mpox strain Clade 1B in Kerala man

<ul><li><keyword id="6355882" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Israel" source="Orion">Israel</keyword> reports two cases of a <keyword id="10466854" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-Covid-19-variant" source="Orion">new COVID-19 variant</keyword> on Wednesday.</li><li>The new variant identified is not worrisome as other variants, says the Health Ministry.</li><li>This new variant is the combination of two sub-variants of the Omicron strain — dubbed BA.1 and BA.2.</li></ul>Israel’s health ministry, on Wednesday, announced that it had detected two cases of a new COVID-19 variant. However, the new variant identified is not worrisome as other variants. The health ministry further informed that this new variant is the combination of two sub-variants of the Omicron strain — dubbed BA.1 and BA.2. This variant was reported in two passengers at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport while doing the PCR test. “ This variant is still unknown around the world,” said the ministry in a statement. Israel’s pandemic response chief Salman Zarka said, “The phenomenon of combined variants is well known. At this stage, we are not worried about it leading to serious cases.” “Israel will also not lift more COVID-19 restrictions amid rising infections in several locations around the world,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Thursday. Following a consultation meeting with health officials, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz decided that the mask mandate will not be lifted, but the measure will be reviewed again in April. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Symptoms of this new variant" comment="subhead" text="Symptoms of this new variant">Symptoms of this new variant</cmsannotation> Talking about the symptoms of the new variant, the ministry said the two cases suffered mild symptoms only and didn't require any special medical response. These symptoms were seen — <ol><li>Fever </li><li>Headache </li><li>Muscle dystrophy</li></ol><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="From where did this variant originate?" comment="subhead" text="From where did this variant originate?">From where did this variant originate?</cmsannotation> The ministry has not conducted the research yet, so it is still unknown where this variant came from. Israel has so far inoculated four million COVID-19 doses out of the population of 9.2 million people. The country also recorded 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 infection and 8,244 deaths to date. The Israeli government has administered three COVID-19 vaccines to its people and will start the fourth vaccine dose to people over 60 years and health workers. Last month, Israel also announced that unvaccinated tourists would now be allowed to enter as the country eased down the COVID restrictions. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the country was seeing a ‘consistent decline in morbidity data, hence decided to reopen the border. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/paytm-may-face-tough-times-ahead-stock-brokers-recommend-to-stay-away-from-the-stock/articleshow/90283463.cms">Paytm may face ‘tough times ahead’, stock brokers recommend to stay away from the stock</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/top-10-richest-people-in-india-in-2021-22-as-per-hurun-list/slidelist/90282882.cms">Top 10 richest people in India as per Hurun List</a>

Israel detects new COVID-19 variant — All you need to know about it

<ul><li>Scientists and experts in France have reportedly identified a new variant of COVID-19 termed ‘IHU’. The new variant is said to be a more mutated strain than Omicron.</li><li>Nearly 12 cases of this new variant have been reported near Marseilles and has been linked to the African country Cameroon.</li><li>The B.1.640.2 or <keyword id="12877196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IHU-variant" source="Orion">IHU variant</keyword> was first identified by the academics at institute IHU Mediterranee Infection and contains 46 mutations, which is more than Omicron.</li></ul>While the world is grappling with the outburst of the Omicron virus with a very high transmissibility rate, scientists and experts in France have reportedly identified a new variant of COVID-19 termed ‘IHU’. The new variant is said to be a more mutated strain than Omicron. According to <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/new-covid-19-variant-ihu-discovered-in-france-is-more-infectious-than-omicron-101641274969259.html">media reports</a>, nearly 12 cases of this new variant have been reported near Marseilles, and has been linked to the African country Cameroon. But, the Omicron strain is still dominating in most parts of the world. The B.1.640.2 or IHU variant was first identified by the academics at institute IHU Mediterranee Infection and contains 46 mutations, which is more than Omicron. This new variant can be a major threat, however, the cases have not been reported so far in countries other than France and is not labelled as ‘variant under investigation’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to a paper posted on medRxiv, the strain carries the E484K mutation which can make it more resistant to vaccines. It also has the N501Y mutation — first seen on the Alpha variant — that experts believe can make it more transmissible. The scientists say, “these observations show once again the unpredictability of the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and their introduction from abroad. And they exemplify the difficulty to control such introduction and subsequent spread.” Philippe Colson, the head and professor of the department at IHU that discovered the variant, said, “ We indeed have several cases of this new variant in the Marseilles geographical area. We named it 'variant IHU'. Two new genomes have just been submitted." <div type="twitter" handle="DrEricDing" handlename="Eric Feigl-Ding" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1296690786688479234/wflBN5Ks_normal.jpg" favoritecount="909" retweetcount="188" status="6) There are scores of new variants discovered all the time, but it does not necessarily mean they will be more dan… https://t.co/gg3dyhxQDl" createdat="1641242969000" id="1478106261778542593"></div> Renowned Epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, on Twitter, said, “The mutations have caused “Fourteen amino acid substitutions, and 9 amino acid deletions—which are located in the spike protein.” He further added, “ There are scores of new variants discovered all the time, but it does not necessarily mean they will be more dangerous. What makes a variant more well-known and dangerous is its ability to multiply because of the number of mutations it has in relation to the original virus.” SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-reports-37379-new-covid-19-cases-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/88681190.cms">India reports 37,379 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/punjab-imposes-statewide-night-curfew-and-closure-of-schools-colleges-as-covid-19-cases-spike-again/articleshow/88682396.cms">Punjab imposes statewide night curfew and closure of schools &amp; colleges as COVID-19 cases spike again</a>

New COVID-19 variant named ‘IHU’ discovered in France — said to be stronger than Omicron

<ul class="summary-list"><li>New Jersey's nursing homes are battling COVID-19 once again as new variants spread through the US.</li><li>One in every four facilities has reported an outbreak over the past week, according to state data.</li></ul>In New Jersey, elderly people are coming under threat from COVID-19 once again as new variants spread across the US.One out of every four nursing homes and assisted living facilities there reported outbreaks of the virus last week, according to <a href="https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/LTC/LTC_Facilities_Outbreaks_List.pdf?_gl=1*5fp5e2*_ga*MTY2MDI5ODQxNS4xNjkzNTg0MzUx*_ga_5PWJJG6642*MTY5MzU4NDc4My4xLjEuMTY5MzU4NTEwMC4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noopener">state health department data</a>.The latest figures show that 158 nursing homes are battling COVID-19 outbreaks across New Jersey, leading to 1,861 cases and 15 deaths among residents and staff.On Friday, the Biden administration pledged to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-seeks-minimum-staff-levels-us-nursing-homes-2023-09-01/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bring in new laws to prevent chronic understaffing in nursing homes</a>.A fact sheet on its proposed changes said that over 200,000 nursing home residents and workers had died from COVID-19, making up about one-fifth of the US's total death toll.The spike in cases in New Jersey facilities comes with hospitalizations and deaths resulting from coronavirus ticking up nationwide.<a href="https://www.insider.com/new-covid-variant-eris-symptoms-transmission-2023-8">The Eris variant</a> has become the dominant strain, and accounts for over 20% of all US COVID-19 cases, according to the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Centers for Disease Control</a> – although it doesn't appear to make people any sicker than other existing strains.Eris' symptoms seem similar to other variants' and include cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.Hospitalizations from the disease rose 19% and deaths jumped 18% in the most recent weeks for which data is available, per data from the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC</a>.As well as nursing homes, some education bodies have struggled to contain the spread of the virus, with <a href="https://themessenger.com/health/covid-school-closures-kentucky-scottlockard-kevinhall-lee-county-respiratory-virus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two districts in Kentucky</a> and <a href="https://themessenger.com/health/covid-school-closures-texas-sanantonio-staff-karnes-county-classes-canceled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one in Texas</a> shutting their schools down after a spike in cases.The CDC doesn't expect to have to reintroduce mask mandates or update vaccine programs anytime soon despite the spread of COVID-19 across the US, with the group's director saying last month that she didn't expect Eris to drive any shift in policy."What we're seeing with the changes in the viruses, they're still susceptible to our vaccine, they're still susceptible to our medicines, they're still picked up by the tests," Dr. Mandy Cohen said in an interview on former Biden administration adviser Andy Slavitt's <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-the-bubble/the-new-cdc-director-on-the-covid-wave-w-dr-mandy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"In the Bubble" podcast</a> on August 9."We're seeing small changes that are what I would call subtypes of what we've seen before."

Nursing homes in New Jersey battle COVID-19 surge as hospitalizations and deaths caused by new variants jump across the US

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A coronavirus variant nicknamed "Eris" is now thought to be the dominant strain in the US.</li><li>The variant was discovered in February, and exploded during the summer months.</li></ul>A new coronavirus variant is rearing its head across the United States. Dubbed "Eris," it's descended from XBB — the same Omicron subvariant that spun off <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/xbb15-omicron-new-covid-variant-what-to-know-2023-1">the "kraken" variant</a> this past winter."It started off very slowly and then it seems to be picking up steam in terms of outcompeting its predecessors," John Swartzberg, an infectious-disease expert who's a professor emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley's School of Public Health, told Insider.Eris, formally known as EG.5, was named for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eris-Greek-and-Roman-mythology">Greek goddess of strife</a> in <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TRyanGregory/status/1686433961856163840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1686433961856163840%7Ctwgr%5E59e90896c8c953b30c9cc2bd07d6143c0d3e2f38%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2F2023-08-10%2Fcovid-variant-eris-eg51-in-australia-symptoms-cases-vaccines%2F102707970">a tweet</a> by the evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory. "Eris" (also the name of a <a target="_blank" href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-planets/eris/in-depth/">dwarf planet</a> in our solar system) aligns with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.who.int/news/item/31-05-2021-who-announces-simple-easy-to-say-labels-for-sars-cov-2-variants-of-interest-and-concern">guidance from the World Health Organization</a> to use "simple, easy-to-say labels" for coronavirus variants using letters from the Greek alphabet.But though the CDC says Eris is spreading quickly, it doesn't appear to make people sicker than other variants, and symptoms of COVID-19 infection are similar to those caused by other strains.<h2>Eris is now considered the dominant coronavirus strain in the US</h2>Eris first emerged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/09082023eg.5_ire_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2aa2daee_1">in February</a> and is an offshoot of the Omicron subvariant XBB. But it really began to take off in July, when its estimated share of total cases doubled.Eris <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">accounted for</a> fewer than 1% of COVID-19 cases in the US at the end of April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it is now estimated to account for more than 20% of new US COVID-19 cases, <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions">the CDC says</a>.Scientists aren't yet sure why Eris is now so common, but its dramatic increase led the World Health Organization to upgrade Eris from a "variant under monitoring" to a "variant of interest" in early August. In other words, WHO believes Eris poses an increased risk to global public health."Based on its genetic features, immune escape characteristics, and growth rate estimates, EG.5 may spread globally and contribute to a surge in case incidence," an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/09082023eg.5_ire_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2aa2daee_3">August 9 WHO report</a> said."Everything we've seen to date with this variant suggests that it has properties that allow it to be a little more transmissible than its competitors," Swartzberg said. "We've not seen any evidence to date that it is more virulent. That is, it makes us sicker."Swartzberg added, however, that our understanding of Eris is "still very early in the game — we haven't adequately been able to study enough people with EG.5 to know with certainty that it doesn't make us sicker, or conversely that it makes us less sick."<h2>Symptoms of Eris seem similar to those of other coronavirus strains</h2>So far, symptoms of Eris seem virtually identical to those caused by other coronavirus strains, according to Swartzberg. Eris, like other strains that cause COVID-19, can lead to a loss of taste or smell, cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, and headaches. Those most at risk include older people, people with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic diseases, Swartzberg said.Eris may be more contagious than other strains, but it doesn't yet appear to be deadlier. Eris hasn't resulted in more deaths than the XBB strain of Omicron, for example.Still, the CDC reported a <a target="_blank" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county">19% rise in hospitalizations</a> from COVID-19 at the end of August compared to the previous week, and a 17.6% increase in deaths.<h2>A new coronavirus booster could soon protect against Eris</h2>A new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/20/covid-vaccines-pfizer-moderna-and-novavax-gear-up-for-fall-rollout.html">coronavirus booster</a> designed specifically to protect against XBB subvariants, like Eris, is being developed by the pharmaceutical companies <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/20/covid-vaccines-pfizer-moderna-and-novavax-gear-up-for-fall-rollout.html">Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax</a>. The new vaccines are expected to become available in October, and Swartzberg said they "should be very effective."For now, experts urge people to make sure they are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#:~:text=Everyone%206%20years%20and%20older,any%20original%20COVID%2D19%20vaccines.">up-to-date on their coronavirus boosters</a>. Only 43% of American adults over 65 are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, according to Swartzberg, and older adults are especially vulnerable to severe infection.Additionally, people should wear N95 masks and socially distance when possible indoors.<h2>Scientists are also eyeing another variant called Pirola</h2>Eris isn't the only coronavirus variant that scientists are keeping an eye on. Another variant, called BA.2.86 and nicknamed "Pirola," has been recently identified by scientists.While BA.2.86 has only been detected in a handful people globally so far, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/fourth-new-covid-variant-case-found-in-houston-18340782.php">four people in the US</a>, the variant has a large number of mutations that could mean it is more resistant to current vaccines and natural immunity, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-19-variant.html">according to the CDC </a>in an August 23 Risk Assessment Summary.However, the CDC said, almost the entire US population will still have some immunity through natural infection or vaccination that will still provide some protection from severe disease.Correction: August 11, 2023 — An earlier version of the story misstated the increase in prevalence of the Eris coronavirus variant in July.

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