COVID 19 New Variant

COVID 19 surge in Asia, situation in INDIA and Covid Vaccines update 

In May 2023, WHO – The World Health Organization had officially ended the global health emergency related to COVID-19.

However, that declaration did not mean that the virus has disappeared. Recent developments show that COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve.

COVID-19 is now part of the global health landscape.

Although the world has moved beyond the emergency phase, there is still a need to keep an eye on the virus.

Progress in vaccines and a better understanding of new variants will help manage future waves more effectively.

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COVID-19 cases rise in Hong Kong and Singapore

Hong Kong and Singapore have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks.

Public health officials have confirmed the following statements

• Hospitalizations on the rise

• High levels of the virus detected in sewage water samples

• Widespread infection in communities

 

The recent surge is being linked to declining immunity levels over time and the emergence of new Omicron subvariants, particularly JN.1.

This variant is associated with symptoms such as

• Cough and sore throat

• Nausea and vomiting

• Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)

• Brain fog or confusion

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Situation in India | Is this an alarming situation?

India has not seen any significant rise in Covid-19 cases recently.

However, experts warn that it is very important to keep an eye on the trends in neighboring countries and carelessness can be fatal.

The virus is not over yet and it may return in waves.

Health experts recommend continuing the following daily care and precautions

• Regular hand washing and hygiene practices

• Getting vaccinated with the latest available formulations

• Being cautious when symptoms appear

 

COVID 19 New Variant 

Latest COVID-19 vaccine developments

The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Design (TAG-CO-VAC) monitors mutations of the virus and the performance of existing vaccines.

Updates from their recent meetings show that the virus is still changing and vaccines must be developed accordingly.

(i). Focus on COVID-19 : JN.1 variant

In 2024, the WHO recommended a vaccine based on the JN.1 variant which was dominant at the time.

Several companies updated their vaccines as well, which were based on

• • mRNA technology

• • Protein based platforms

• • Adenovirus vectored methods

Going back in the past, these JN.1-based vaccines were introduced in several countries during the second half of 2024.

 

(ii). COVID-19 new variant in 2025: LP.8.1

By 2025, a new variant called LP.8.1 has become the most common strain worldwide. It has surpassed JN.1 in spread and impact.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommends updating and strengthening vaccines to target this new variant.

The European Medicines Agency – EMA’s Emergency Task Force consulted with WHO and vaccine producers before suggesting the change. Their decision is based on following studies

• • Genetic data on LP.8.1’s structure

• • Animal studies showing good immune response from new formulations

Note: Until LP.8.1 vaccines are widely available, health bodies may still use updated JN.1 or KP.2 vaccines for the 2025 campaign.

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Why staying alert still matters

Even though the emergency phase is over, COVID-19 is still not over. The virus is constantly changing, and each new variant has the potential to cause more cases.

It is important to keep public health measures in place. Some key steps should be taken-

• Finding information through reliable sources like the World Health Organization and national health ministry

• Follow local guidelines on masks, gatherings and travel

• Get vaccinated with the latest available booster to stay safe

 

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Note: To track vaccine updates and virus changes : visit official sites WHO and EMA europa

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Source : EMA 

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