Indore (Madhya Pradesh): After several weeks of relative calm, Indore has reported a worrying rise in COVID-19 cases, with 12 new Covid positive cases reported on Saturday, the first time the city has seen double-digit figures in recent days.
The development has sparked concern among health officials, who are calling on residents to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the city has now reached 50, including nine patients from other districts. Among Saturday’s cases is a 43-year-old cancer patient from Neemuch, admitted to Aurobindo Hospital after testing positive, and a returnee from Vietnam.
The new cases include six males and six females, aged between 18 and 72 years. Four patients had no travel history, indicating possible local transmission, while others had recently visited Goa, Delhi, Pune, and Vietnam.
One of the infected women had attended a wedding in Indore. Alarmingly, officials have not been able to contact an 18-year-old female patient, raising concerns about possible community spread.
On a positive note, four patients were discharged from home isolation on Saturday after successful recovery. Under current COVID-19 guidelines, patients can be released from isolation after seven days, provided they remain fever-free for three consecutive days.
Most patients in home isolation with mild symptoms
According to CMHO Dr BS Saitya, the majority of the 26 active cases are exhibiting mild symptoms and are being treated in home isolation. “There is no immediate cause for panic,” said Dr Saitya, “but caution is necessary. The XFG and LF.7.9 sub-lineages of the BA.2-like Omicron variant are currently circulating in the region.”
Public urged to stay alert
While most cases are manageable at home, the steady rise in cases signals a need for heightened public awareness. Health officials are urging citizens to avoid large gatherings, wear masks in crowded places, and seek medical advice if symptomatic.
What is Omicron Sub-lineages XFG and LF.7.9?
Omicron sub-lineages XFG and LF.7.9 are recent branches of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, showing ongoing virus evolution. XFG is a recombinant sub-lineage, meaning it combines genetic material from two different Omicron strains, potentially affecting how it spreads or escapes immunity.
LF.7.9 is another distinct sub-lineage identified through global genomic surveillance, carrying specific mutations that set it apart. Both are being closely monitored by scientists to understand their impact on transmission and vaccine effectiveness. Their emergence highlights the need for continued vigilance and updated health measures as the virus evolves.
