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Key Points

The ICMR-NIV has confirmed that the latest Covid variants, JN.1.16 and XFG, are not causing severe infections. Active cases have declined to 6,483 after a recent surge. The institute continues genome sequencing through 73 labs nationwide. India has shared data with global databases to aid vaccine research.

Key Points: ICMR-NIV Says New Covid Strains JN.1.16 and XFG Not Severe

  • New JN.1.16 and XFG variants show mild symptoms
  • Active cases drop to 6,483 after recent surge
  • ICMR-NIV tracks variants via 73 VRDLs nationwide
  • India submits genome data to global databases
2 min read

Infections due to new Covid strains not severe, we're monitoring: ICMR-NIV Director

ICMR-NIV Director confirms new Covid variants JN.1.16 and XFG show mild symptoms as active cases decline, genome sequencing continues.

"The disease associated with these strains are not very much severe – Dr. Naveen Kumar, ICMR-NIV"

Pune, June 18

The JN.1.16 sub lineage of Omicron variant and the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant did not cause much severe Covid infection, said Dr Naveen Kumar, Director ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) on Wednesday, even as the active number of cases declined after rising for over a month.

According to the Health Ministry’s latest update, there are 6,483 active cases and 113 deaths. This comes after the recent increase in Covid cases noticed since the second week of April, with active cases rising over 7,000 in the country.

"Genomic analysis revealed that the surge was due to JN.1.16 sub lineage of omicron variant and since May 2025, it was replaced by the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant," Kumar told IANS here.

"The observations made as of now suggest that the disease associated with these strains are not very much severe," he added.

He stated that since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NIV has been tracking the virus and its different variants from its 73 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VDRLs) across the country.

"ICMR-NIV in Pune is continuously monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by the whole genome sequencing of RT PCR positive samples referred from 73 VRDLs across the country. Covid has never gone ever since, you know, since 2019. NIV is closely monitoring the various strains circulating in the country," Kumar told IANS.

India has submitted the whole genome sequences to IBDC (Indian Biological Data Centre) and GISAID, a global open-access database. The NIV is also in the process of isolating newer variants, he said.

"This effort will be helpful to assess vaccine effectiveness and to support India’s indigenous efforts for vaccine development," Kumar said.

Notably, two monovalent Omicron-based vaccines are available (Biological E Limited’s Corbivax and Serum Institute of India’s COVOVAX) in the country.

On whether there are any requirements for vaccines to tackle the newer variants, Kumar stated that the decision lies with the government.

"The decision of whether or not to have a new vaccine using the currently circulating stain is a policy decision. NIV’s role is to monitor the recently circulating virus strain," Kumar said, adding that the situation is being continuously monitored by Health Ministry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to hear the new variants aren't causing severe illness. But we can't let our guard down - masks should still be encouraged in crowded places like local trains and markets. Better safe than sorry! 👍
P
Priya M.
Our scientists at NIV are doing great work! Proud that India is contributing genome sequences to global databases. Hope our vaccine makers can quickly adapt if needed. #MakeInIndia
A
Amit S.
The article mentions 113 deaths - that's not insignificant. We need more transparency about who is most vulnerable. Are these elderly people? Those with comorbidities? Public deserves complete info.
S
Sunita P.
After what we went through in 2021, any news about COVID makes me anxious 😟. But glad to see our health system is better prepared now with testing and monitoring networks across India.
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Vikram J.
While the situation seems under control, I wonder if our rural healthcare infrastructure is ready if cases spike suddenly. Urban areas may have facilities, but villages need equal attention.
N
Neha T.
The government should run awareness campaigns about the available Omicron-specific vaccines. Many people don't know these exist! Clear communication is key to prevent panic.

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