Omicron subvariant KP.2 ‘FLiRT’ detected in Maharashtra to be dominant COVID-19 strain

Maharashtra has identified 91 cases of the Omicron subvariant KP.2, nicknamed FLiRT, marking a shift in the state’s COVID-19 cases. While the JN.1 variant was previously dominant, KP.2 appears to be more transmissible and is now driving a rise in infections.

Pune has borne the brunt of the new variant, recording the highest number of cases at 51, according to data till May 15. Thane follows closely with 20 cases. Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously known as Aurangabad) districts reported seven cases each. 

Two patients have been reported from Ahmednagar, while one case each from Latur, Nashik and Sangli have also been detected. 

The variant JN.1, which was first detected in January, has so far infected 1,417 people in the state.

Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, the coordinator of the state’s genome sequencing, said that despite the rise in cases, there has been no significant hospitalisation. “The recovery rate is reported to be 98.18 per cent, with a fatality rate of 1.81 per cent,” he said.

The infection is turning out to be fatal with elderly patients and others with comorbidities, he added. 

The member of Maharashtra’s COVID-19 task force also said the variants JN.1 and its sub-lineage KP.1.1 already existed. “Over time, the population developed anti-bodies against the variants. However, the new KP.2 sub-lineage has developed immunity against the anti-bodies and is now infecting people,” he explained. 

The KP.2 lineage has mutations like F456L and R346T in addition to the ones found in JN.1.11.1, making it more immune-evasive and fast-spreading, Karyakarte stated.  

The recently identified group of variants primarily include the KP.1.1 and KP.2 strains, he explained, adding that the nomenclature FLiRT is denoted from the strain mutations represented by letters ‘F’,’L’ and ‘R’,’T’.

However, KP.2 is expected to dominate the other variants in the coming weeks.

“It is unclear whether the strain originated in India or came from other countries where it has been detected,” he said.

According to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KP.2 amounts to about 28 per cent of COVID cases in the US. KP.1 contributed to 7.1 per cent of the total cases.

Regarding the infections reported only from Maharashtra and its districts, Karyakarte stated that samples collected by National Institute of Virology and BJ Government Medical College in Pune are useful in identifying the cases. 

Another official from Pune stated that it is likely that these variants are also present in other parts of the country but go undetected because samples from potential COVID-19 infection cases are not tested. 

“It is highly possible that these cases may show no symptoms in many people or indicate known COVID-19 symptoms such as cold,  sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches and fatigue,” the official said. 

The best way to prevent infection and spread is to wear a mask and keep a safe distance, particularly around elderly people aged 65 and up, pregnant women, and cancer patients, Karyakarte said. 

“Vaccine and the anti-bodies developed by humans inherently may work to some extent, but may depend on the immunity from person to person. In some cases, it may also cause diarrhoea, committing and nausea,” he added.

The doctor also said that people who have previously contracted COVID-19 or its infections may show milder symptoms. 

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