Omicron's BA.5 variant driving case spike in Bengal, shows test on samples

KOLKATA: The Omicron sub-variant BA.5 has been found predominantly in samples sequenced in Bengal. Health officials say this sub-lineage of Omicron is gradually replacing the BA.2 variant that caused the massive third wave surge in the beginning of the year. Experts believe the current spike in cases in the state is being driven by BA.5 but add that this sub-variant is more like BA.2 and is unlikely to cause a severe disease.
"Genome sequencing on positive samples in our state has found sub-variants of Omicron, including BA.5. Since these sub-lineages belong to Omicron there is not much to worry about. Though highly infectious, these sub-variants are not known to cause severe infection but symptoms similar to influenza," said director of health services Siddhartha Niyogi.