Maharashtra reports 150 cases of new COVID-19 sub-variant 'FLiRT'; Pune district leads with 77 cases

The Maharashtra public health department has announced 150 cases of a novel coronavirus sub-lineage identified as KP.2, commonly referred to as FLiRT.

According to the INSACOG (India SarsCov2 Genomics Consortium), this KP.2 sub-lineage has emerged as the prevalent strain of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the state.

An official statement from the public health department released on Monday revealed that these 150 cases span across 10 districts in Maharashtra.

Pune district has the highest number with 77 cases, accounting for 48% of the total, followed by Thane with 52 cases, and seven each from Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

Experts at INSACOG noted that the first KP.2 infection was detected in a patient sample from Pune collected on February 8.

Subsequently, it appeared in samples from Thane on February 15. By March, the transmission of FLiRT had spread to eight additional districts in Maharashtra.

On Monday, Pune district reported no new COVID-19 cases. Presently, there are four active COVID-19 cases in Pune city. Maharashtra reported nine new COVID-19 cases statewide on Monday, with two patients recovering, bringing the total number of active cases to 67.

Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra’s coordinator for genome sequencing and head of the Microbiology department at B J Medical College, mentioned that while COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra are on an upward trend, the increase in new cases is not yet alarming.

He emphasized preventive measures, stating, "To prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, it is essential to wear masks and maintain social distance. Individuals with underlying health conditions, those over 65 years of age, and pregnant women should exercise extra caution. People who are unwell should take leave from work and avoid public places and crowded areas."

The health advisory aims to curb the spread of the FLiRT sub-lineage and protect vulnerable populations from potential outbreaks.