Experts fear of greater risks as China gets exposed to two new Omicron sub-variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7. They are very contagious and fast-spreading variants that can cause a large number of infections in China.
BF.7 and BA.5.1.7 COVID Variants
BF.7 is a New Omicron variant that is gaining momentum throughout China. It was first identified in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regions of Northwest China, namely Yantai and Shaoguan Cities, less than a week ago on 4th Oct 2022. Experts fear greater risks as China gets exposed to two new Omicron sub-variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7
The Chinese report states that BF.7 is a subvariant of BA.5 and it’s a more dominant variant of Omicron. These Omicron variants are infamous for their immunity-dodging properties.
BF.7 overtakes other COVID Variants
As per the statistical reports given by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, US, it is confirmed that 4.6% of the total COVID cases are affected by BF.7 and the other two variants BA.2.75 and BA.4 affect 1.8% and 0.8% of the total Omicron cases in the US. From this its clear that, the new variant BF.7 will surely overtake the other variants.
Another report by WHO states that more than 98% of viral infections are caused by the most dominant variant Omicron.
So, it’s very clear that a single variant and its sub-variants have been circulating for more than a year.
Common symptoms of BF.7 Subvariant
New symptoms, complications, and threats impose more risks for humanity every time stronger and wide spreading variants enter. Most symptoms include headache, chest pain, cough, loss of smell, hearing loss, etc. These are very similar to the symptoms of other sub-variants.
People with complications such as sore throat, fatigue, abdominal pain, etc, should not ignore it. Medical advice is a must for them.
Lockdown restrictions in China due to BF.7 and BA.5.1.7
Chinese cities have started testing people and many schools, tourist spots, and entertainment spots have been closed up due to the actions taken by local authorities. Many strict COVID measures were taken by China such as mass testing, uncompromising lockdowns, border restrictions, etc,to overcome the crisis.
According to Numero,36 Chinese cities experience various lockdowns which affect about 196.9 million people. As a result of this many people were discouraged from spending their holidays during China’s Golden Week .
Li Shujian, deputy director of the local disease prevention and control center said that “More than 100 countries and regions got affected by the subvariant BA.5.1.7”
BF.7 and Looming Winter Waves across other countries
BF.7 variants seem to spread more fastly in the US whereas the rate of BA.5 variants seems to be decreasing. As a result of higher transmission rates, there is a red signal from health experts regarding the widespread of new Omicron variants during this winter season. The White House COVID-19 Data Director Dr Cyrus Shahpar has warned people to be safe during this winter. Due to the emerging variants like BF.7, BA.2.75, etc, people should be more careful in the upcoming weeks, he tweeted.
Well-known Physician and Scientist Eric Topol tweeted on his page that ” BF.7 (BA.5.2.1.X) & BA.4.6 gains, BA.2.75x creeps up whereas B.A.5 fades”. Global Times states that “Increased immunity evasion property of BF.7( a subvariant of Omicron BA.5 )makes it more widespread among the already vaccinated community. It can also complicate the control and prevention process.”
This Omicron variant BF.7 also spreads fast in other countries such as Denmark, England, Belgium, France, Germany etc.
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