Tamil Nadu reports first case of BA.4 Omicron Sub-Variant

Tamil Nadu reported the first case of BA.4 sub-variant of Omicron on Saturday. 

The person affected by the variant is a resident of Navalur in Chengalpattu district, located 30 kilometres from Chennai. 

The first case of BA.4 Sub variant of Omicron in India was reported in Telangana recently, and this will be the second case in the Country.

Speaking to reporters at the King Institute in Guindy, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said, the initial report showed that the sub-variant was detected in a family cluster at Navalur in Chengalpattu district and they had no travel history.

Meanwhile, the data from the Health Department showed that in May 82 % of samples tested showed BA. 2 variant of Omicron, 7% BA.3 variant, 4% are BA.2 10 variant, and BA. 4 are 0.7 %.

A total of 3,328 samples were taken from January to May and sent for Whole Genome Sequencing at the State Public Health Lab on the DMS campus, of which 96 % belonged to Omicron only. 

BA. 2 reported in 73 % of samples, also BA. 1 was reported in some samples, the data showed.

Also, samples taken from IIT Madras and Sri Sathya Sai Medical College clusters tested positive for BA. 2 variant of Omicron only, the statement said.