As Covid-19 cases rise across the country, Telangana health officials have reported the state’s first case of the new Covid-19 sub-variant, XFG. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) identified the variant in one of the five samples sent for genome sequencing. The sample containing XFG came from a male patient, while the remaining four samples — from two men and two women — tested positive for another sub-variant, LF.7.9.
Variants Linked to Omicron’s JN.1 Lineage
Dr. Kiran Madala, co-chairman of the public relations and social media committee of IMA Telangana and a Covid-19 researcher, confirmed that health authorities detected both sub-variants in the state. They uploaded the genome sequences to INSACOG’s portal. Notably, both XFG and LF.7.9 are sub-lineages of the Omicron variant JN.1, which triggered a global surge in late 2023 and early 2024.
XFG Spreads Across Multiple States
TOI reported that Telangana now joins Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, where authorities have already identified the XFG variant. INSACOG stated that India has recorded approximately 172 XFG cases and 82 cases of LF.7.9 as of Monday. Researchers have also detected other sub-variants such as XFJ and additional strains in smaller numbers.
Mild Symptoms, Ongoing Surveillance
Dr. Madala, also a professor at Gandhi Medical College, stated that ongoing studies are evaluating the transmissibility and clinical impact of sub-variants like XFG, LF.7.9, and XFJ. “So far, they appear mild, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any special advisory regarding them,” he noted. He added that Covid-19 has now become endemic and generally presents with non-severe symptoms.
Vulnerable Groups Urged to Stay Vigilant
Despite the mild nature of most cases, health experts urge caution, especially among high-risk groups. “According to ICMR data, 66% of current respiratory infections are Covid-related,” said Dr. Madala. “However, hospitalisations remain low, including in Telangana. Those above 70 or with multiple comorbidities should continue to take precautions.”
Current Situation in Telangana Remains Stable
Telangana currently reports nine active Covid-19 cases, down from ten the previous day, as per the Union Health Ministry’s dashboard. Dr. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, reassured the public, stating, “There’s no reason to panic. These sub-variants are part of the virus’s natural evolution and are not showing any alarming clinical symptoms.”