Threat from global COVID-19 rise

(MainsGS3:Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.)

Context:

• In view of the sudden spurt of cases in some parts of the world, the Union Ministry of Health has issued a communique to States to resume genome sequencing of new cases of COVID-19.
• Sequencing of positive case samples will allow the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium network to track the variants, enabling timely detection of newer variants, in order to undertake requisite public health measures in time.

 Global situation:

• In the U.S., a trifecta of viruses i.e. Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Influenza and COVID-19 led to a rising number of respiratory infection cases since September, accelerating post November.
• In China, the number of cases began to soar as it dropped its zero-COVID policy and lifted all restrictions, in response to unprecedented protests. 
• Because of the sheer size of the population and the fact that the nation had not been exposed properly to the natural march of the virus, there has been a massive surge at the end of the year. 
• Simultaneously in Brazil, Korea and Japan, rising numbers have been a source of concern.

Low hybrid immunity:

• Every pandemic will ‘equilibrate’, and over a period of time, level out infection levels across the world. 
• It is not possible for some areas in the world to have a large number of cases, and others stop with low numbers.
• Problem with China is due to having low hybrid immunity, which is immunity granted by the twin factors of natural infection and vaccination, since it artificially suppressed the waves of COVID-19 with harsh restrictions.

Implications for India:

• The situation in India is under control, but vigil is necessary as the bulk of the adult population has been vaccinated with effective vaccines and about 70% of the country has been fully vaccinated, though booster vaccination is flagging.
• Furthermore, almost all the sub-variants of Omicron found across the world were circulating in India as well, and no alarming situation has emerged so far.
• Way ahead for India is to take up aggressive booster vaccination, and also look at rolling out the nasal vaccine that also curbs transmission.
• In the current situation, no two countries are comparable, particularly in terms of natural infection load and vaccination coverage and India has good hybrid immunity.

Conclusion:

• Experts believe that India needs to remain alert, particularly in terms of surveillance, considering that the true position hardly emerges from China.