The emergence of the KP.2 Omicron subvariant in Maharashtra highlights the ongoing challenges in managing COVID-19. The Maharashtra government has identified 91 cases of this new subvariant, which has now overtaken the previously dominant JN.1 variant. This subvariant is becoming the primary cause of infections in several regions, with Pune recording the highest number of cases at 51, followed by Thane with 20, according to a TOI report.
Rise of KP.2 in Maharashtra
Maharashtra first detected the KP.2 variant in January, and by March and April, it had become the dominant strain in the region. Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, the state’s genome sequencing coordinator, noted an increase in cases without a corresponding rise in hospitalizations or severe cases. The state experienced a slight increase in cases in March, averaging around 250 detections, likely due to the transmission of the KP.2 variant, which evolved from JN.1, the dominant COVID strain at the end of 2023.
In addition to Pune and Thane, KP.2 cases have been reported in other regions: seven in Amravati and Aurangabad, two in Solapur, and one each in Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur, and Sangli. Notably, Mumbai has not reported any KP.2 cases.
FLiRT Variant Group
The KP.2 variant is part of a newly identified group of variants collectively known as “FLiRT,” which includes the KP.1.1 and KP.2 strains. These names derive from specific mutations, with one strain having mutations represented by “F” and “L” and the other by “R” and “T.” This subvariant was first recognized globally in January and has since become predominant among strains in the US.
Genetic Characteristics and Transmission Rate
A study by Japanese researchers revealed that the KP.2 (JN.1.11.1.2) variant, a descendant of JN.1, has three unique substitutions in the S protein: S:R346T, S:F456L, and another substitution in a non-S protein. These genetic changes have significantly increased the reproduction rate of KP.2 compared to its precursor, JN.1.
The study found that the reproduction number of KP.2 is 1.22, 1.32, and 1.26 times higher than that of JN.1 in the USA, United Kingdom, and Canada, respectively. This indicates that KP.2 has a higher transmission rate than JN.1 in these countries.
Surprisingly, the study also discovered that despite having a higher reproduction number, KP.2 has significantly lower infectivity compared to JN.1, with a 10.5-fold difference.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
The latest information on COVID-19 symptoms and long-term effects indicates that the KP.2 and JN.1 variants, which account for around 16% of cases, likely result in symptoms similar to those associated with other variants. These symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, head and body aches, fever, congestion, fatigue, and in severe cases, shortness of breath. Unlike the early stages of the pandemic, fewer people now experience a loss of taste and smell. COVID can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which are sometimes mistaken for norovirus.
Individuals who have previously had COVID typically experience subsequent infections that are as mild, if not milder, than their initial illness. While the incidence of long COVID has decreased since the pandemic began, Fikadu Tafesse, a virus expert at Oregon Health & Science University, cautions that multiple infections increase the risk of acquiring long COVID.
Conclusion
The emergence of the KP.2 variant in Maharashtra underscores the persistent challenges in controlling COVID-19. Despite the severity of cases appearing to be under control, ongoing vigilance and surveillance for emerging variants are critical in reducing the virus’s impact on public health. Continued efforts in monitoring, vaccination, and public health measures remain essential in combating the spread of new COVID-19 subvariants.
