Covid-19: Two among 18 cases of XBB variant reported in Maharashtra from Thane

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In Maharashtra, 18 cases of XBB variant have been reported within the first 15 days of October, states the public health department data.

According to the state INSACOG labs' latest report, 13 of these cases are reported from Pune while two each from Nagpur and Thane and one is from Akola district.

"Besides these cases, Pune has also reported one case each of BQ.1 and BA.2.3.20. These cases are between September 24 to October 11, 2022. We have collected epidemiological information of all these cases and as per the primary information they are of mild nature," said Pradeep Awte, state surveillance officer of Maharashtra.

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The BQ.1 case of Pune is of mild variety and has a history of travel to USA.

Most of the cases - 15 out of these 20 cases have a history of covid vaccination while information on 5 cases is to be received.

"While 18 cases have been discharged, two cases are in home isolation. They have been told to complete the seven days quarantine period. All the cases are mild in nature. Genetic mutations are part of the natural life cycle of the virus and there is no need to be scare about this but to take appropriate precautions for Covid containment," added Awte.

On Wednesday, Maharashtra reported 418 new Covid-19 cases and three deaths.

The recovery rate in the state is 98.14 per cent and the case fatality rate stands at 1.82 per cent.