Nearly 100 cases of Covid's new FLiRT variant KP.2 found in Maharashtra: Here are the most affected cities

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The government of Maharashtra has identified 91 cases of the new Covid-19 Omicron subvariant KP.2, which has exceeded the previously prevalent JN.1 variant and is currently the main cause of infections in various countries. Pune recorded the highest number of KP.2 cases at 51, with Thane following closely behind with 20 cases, a TOI report stated.

Maharashtra initially identified cases of the KP.2 variant in January. By March and April, it had become the dominant strain in the region. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, who is the genome sequencing coordinator for the state, observed that although there has been an increase in cases, there has not been a corresponding rise in hospitalizations or severe cases. The small increase in cases seen by the state in March, averaging around 250 detections, is probably a result of the transmission of the KP.2 variant, which originated from JN.1, the prevalent Covid strain at the end of 2023.

Apart from Pune and Thane, seven cases were reported in Amravati and Aurangabad. Solapur had two cases, and Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur, and Sangli each had one case of the KP.2 variant. It is notable that there were no cases reported from Mumbai.

The recently identified group of variants, collectively known as "FLiRT', primarily consists of the KP.1.1 and KP.2 strains. The nomenclature of these strains is derived from the specific mutations they possess, with one strain containing mutations represented by the letters "F' and "L', while the other strain features mutations denoted by the letters "R' and "T'. This subvariant was initially recognized worldwide in January and currently holds the predominant position among strains in the US.

Characteristics of KP.2 variant

Japanese researchers recently conducted a study that showed the KP.2 (JN.1.11.1.2) variant, a descendant of JN.1, has three unique substitutions in the S protein - S:R346T, S:F456L, and another substitution in a non-S protein. These genetic alterations have led to a significant change in the reproduction rate of KP.2 when compared to its precursor, JN.1.

The findings indicate that the reproduction number of KP.2 is 1.22-, 1.32-, and 1.26-times higher than that of JN.1 in USA, United Kingdom, and Canada, respectively." This suggests that KP.2 has a higher transmission rate than JN.1 in these countries. Surprisingly, the study also discovered that despite having a higher reproduction number, KP.2 has significantly lower infectivity compared to JN.1, with a 10.5-fold difference.

Characteristics of KP.1.1. Variant

The KP.2 variant of COVID-19 is spreading faster than the KP.1.1 variant, which is also a FLiRT variant. The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that KP.2 is responsible for 28% of COVID cases in the United States, whereas KP.1.1 cases only account for 7.1% of all cases.

Currently, the variants JN.1, JN.1.7, JN.1.16, and JN.1.13.1 are currently spreading extensively across the United States.

The effectiveness of vaccine on KP.2

Experts say that people who had the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 before could still get infected again with the KP.2 variant, especially if it has been a long time since their last infection.

The most recent vaccine that focuses on the XBB.1.5 variant may not offer full protection against KP.2 because of the significant variances between JN.1 and its offspring. A preliminary study conducted by Japanese researchers, which has not yet been peer-reviewed or published, indicates that KP.2 could be more efficient in infecting individuals who have been vaccinated with the latest COVID vaccine.

Doctors stress that the vaccine continues to provide some protection, especially against severe illness, similar to past infections. According to the CDC spokesperson, there is no current evidence indicating that KP.2 leads to more severe illness than other strains. Nevertheless, specific groups like individuals aged 65 and above, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are still more susceptible to severe COVID-19 complications. Individuals aged 65 and above who have already gotten one dose of the new vaccine are recommended by the CDC to receive an extra shot after a minimum of four months.

Symptoms of KP.2 and JN.1 variants:

The most recent information about COVID symptoms and long-term effects indicates that the KP.2 and JN.1 variants, making up around 16% of cases, probably result in symptoms akin to those linked with other variants. These symptoms comprise a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, head and body aches, fever, congestion, fatigue, and, in severe instances, shortness of breath. Nevertheless, in contrast to the initial phases of the pandemic, fewer individuals currently encounter a loss of taste and smell. Patients who are frequently surprised by the reality that COVID can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are occasionally confused with norovirus symptoms.

Subsequent infections for individuals who have had COVID before are usually as mild or even milder than their first case. While the occurrence of long COVID has decreased since the start of the pandemic, Fikadu Tafesse, a virus expert at Oregon Health & Science University, warns that multiple infections raise the chances of developing long COVID.

Public health measures

It is important to take precautions to protect oneself from COVID-19. These include wearing masks in crowded places, keeping hands clean, practicing social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and poorly ventilated spaces, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, staying home when sick, staying updated on local guidelines, and supporting community vaccination campaigns.

Individuals can greatly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus by following these practices, which helps in the collective effort to lessen the impact of the pandemic.