Five New Omicron Sub-Variants Detected in Nepal

Nepal has confirmed five new sub-variants of the Omicron strain of COVID-19, according to the National Public Health Laboratory in Teku. The findings were made after gene sequencing tests were conducted on 14 COVID-positive samples collected between Jestha 22 and 29 (early June).

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, said the samples came from across all provinces. The testing confirmed the presence of five different Omicron sub-variants.

Among the 14 samples, seven were identified as lineage XFG, three as XFG (a slight variation), one as XFG 3.1, and two as JN.1. These are considered infectious but less severe in nature.

Omicron sub-variants are evolved forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. As the virus mutates, new variants develop with different characteristics.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, since the month of Poush, Nepal has reported 167 COVID-19 cases across 25 districts. Most cases have been detected in Bagmati Province (131), followed by Sudurpaschim (21), Madhesh (5), Koshi (4), and Gandaki (3).