One sample tests positive for XBB.1.5 variant in genome sequencing

BENGALURU: A person who arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from Japan on Tuesday has tested positive for Covid-19. The individual is a native of Kerala.

On Tuesday, random samples of 163 passengers were taken, of which the sample of the traveller from Japan tested positive. The passenger has left Bengaluru for Kerala, it is learnt. Two travellers have tested positive on January 2 and 3. Last month, 23 passengers arriving at KIA had tested positive.

Meanwhile, one person in the state has tested positive for the XBB.1.5 variant and the health authorities are gathering details about the individual. So far, there are no patients with severe symptoms admitted in hospitals, the health commissioner told Public TV. The genomic sequencing reports of 23 samples have been received and none of them have tested positive for the BF.7 sub-variant. Only one sample has tested positive for the XBB.1.5 variant so far.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has submitted a report to the government that precautionary measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. The report also says the cases will slowly rise towards the end of January, peak in February and taper in March.

The report also says cases requiring hospitalisation will be less, only as much as 0.4 per cent, but the aged, children and those with comorbidities should be careful.