Maharashtra reports 91 cases of new Covid subvariant FLiRT

The Maharashtra government has identified 91 cases of the new Covid-19 Omicron subvariant KP.2, surpassing the previously dominant JN.1 variant as the main contributor to cases in several countries. Pune has reported the highest incidence with 51 cases, followed by Thane with 20 cases. Despite the increase in cases, there has been no rise in hospitalizations or severe cases.

In addition to Pune and Thane, Amravati and Aurangabad each reported seven cases, while Solapur recorded two cases, and Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur, and Sangli each reported one case of the KP.2 variant. Mumbai reported no cases. The FLiRT group of variants, primarily comprising KP.1.1 and KP.2, are named for specific mutations they carry. KP.2, first identified globally in January, is now the dominant strain in the United States.