In many countries of the world, cases of corona infection are once again seen increasing rapidly. The new variant of Corona, FLiRT, has hit many countries in a very short time. According to media reports, there has been a rapid increase in infection cases in America and Singapore. The situation is such that the Singapore Health Department has once again appealed to the people to wear masks as a protective measure. It is noteworthy that within a week, more than 25,000 new cases have been reported in Singapore, which has increased the concern of health experts.
The new coronavirus variant Filarte (KP.2) is a sub-variant of Omicron, although some mutations have been observed in it that enable it to dodge the vaccine-induced immune system and rapidly increase infection in humans.
The Singapore Health Department has cautioned all people to be alert about the risks of Corona. There is a possibility of a further increase in cases of infection next month.
This new variant can spread rapidly
Based on the reports of studies conducted on the new variant, experts said that due to the speed at which KP.2 is growing, it can very soon replace the fastest-spreading JN.1 variant. In the study of about 50% of Corona samples, KP.2 is considered to be the main factor.
Singapore is the country most affected by this new variant. According to local reports, more than two-thirds of the cases in Singapore currently are KP.1 and KP.2. As of 3 May, the World Health Organization has classified KP.2 as a 'Variant Under Monitoring'.
Cases may reach a peak in June
More than 25,900 cases of COVID-19 were reported here in the week of May 5 to 11, according to data shared by the Singapore Health Ministry. More than 13,700 infections were recorded in the previous week. According to the report, along with the number of infected people, the number of people admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is also increasing rapidly.
Due to the speed with which Covid-19 cases are increasing in Singapore, it is expected that the number of infection cases will reach its peak by mid-June. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the infection is still in its early stages, so measures to control it in time are necessary.
Where were the cases reported in India?
Increasing cases of this new variant of Corona have been reported in Maharashtra as well as in many states of the country. So far, 146 cases of the KP.2 variant have been registered in Maharashtra. After this, West Bengal is in second place with 36 infected people. According to media reports, only mild levels of symptoms are being seen in most of the infected people in the country. There are currently no hospitalizations or serious cases due to the new variant.
Be careful about the risks of coronavirus
Apart from Maharashtra and West Bengal, infection due to the KP.2 variant has been confirmed in 23 people in Gujarat, 21 in Rajasthan, 17 in Odisha, 16 in Uttarakhand, and 12 in Goa.
Health experts said everyone needs to be alert about the increasing risks due to this new variant of Corona. It is important to continue wearing masks protectively and following COVID-19 COVID-19-appropriate behavior. We are still in the initial phase of infection, if precautions are taken from now on then the surge in cases can be prevented.
(PC: ISTOCK)
