October 16, 2022
1 min read

New Covid variant BQ.1 behind 1 in 10 cases in US

BQ.1 was first named by scientists in early September, based on sequences spotted across the US and several other countries…reports Asian Lite news

New Covid strains are gaining ground across the world and in the US, new variant BQ.1 now makes up one in 10 cases nationwide, new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated.

The CDC had previously bundled BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 with their shared parent BA.5 in its weekly “Nowcast” estimates.

BQ.1 was first named by scientists in early September, based on sequences spotted across the US and several other countries, reports CBS News.

“When you get variants like that, you look at what their rate of increase is as a relative proportion of the variants, and this has a pretty troublesome doubling time,” Dr Anthony Fauci, the US president’s chief medical adviser, told CBS News.

BQ.1 variants have already outpaced many rival strains in European nations from England to Germany, which have already seen renewed waves begin.

According to the CDC, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 each currently make up an estimated 5.7 per cent of infections around the country.

“While BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. represent a small but fast-growing subset of the Omicron variant, BA.5 remains the dominant lineage in the US,” said a CDC spokesperson.

Experts have cited the “sizable number of unique mutations” in variants like BQ.1 in speculating that it could evade immunity from prior infections or vaccination.

“However, so far little is known about what impact these mutations might have in affecting the severity of the disease, which would require further studies in animals and humans,” said the report.

As China imposes fresh lockdowns and travel restrictions amid Covid surge, the country has detected new Omicron sub-variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7, which are highly infectious with greater transmissibility.

Canada also confirmed 20,002 new Covid-19 cases for the week ending October 8, raising concerns over a resurgence, health authorities said.

ALSO READ: Biden calls Truss’ economic plan a mistake

Previous Story

IMF chief warns of risk of geopolitical fragmentation

Next Story

Jaishankar lauds diaspora’s efforts in shaping India’s image in Egypt

Latest from -Top News

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US bans Russian oil, gas

The move to ban imports from Russia is seen as

George Bush defends Afghanistan invasion

Former President says he is comfortable with the decisions he