Omicron sub-variants BA-4 and BA-5 found in Maharashtra, health department alert

For the first time in Maharashtra, a sub-form of the Omicron form of the corona virus, B.A. Four patients of 4 and three of BA5 have been found. An official of the Health Department gave this information on Saturday. 

Sub-forms of Omicron were detected in April in some parts of the world, including South Africa, but no cases were reported in Maharashtra so far. Its cases were also reported in Tamil Nadu and Telangana last week. "The Institute of Science Education and Research conducted the genome sequencing, the findings of which have been confirmed by the Indian Biodata Center in Faridabad," the official said. Omicron subtype infection has been found in about seven people from Pune.

Four patients have been found infected with BA4 while others with BA5 form. These include four men and three women. Four patients are above 50 years of age and two are between 20 and 40 years of age, while one patient is nine years old. "All six adults have taken both doses of the anti-Covid-19 vaccines, while one has taken a booster dose as well," the official said. The child has not been vaccinated. All have mild symptoms of Covid-19 and are being treated at home.