<h5>What is happening?
</h5>  <p>The COVID-19 subvariant Omicron has rapidly evolved into several subvariants since it first appeared in late 2021. An increase in COVID-19 infections across China is being linked to one subvariant, BF.7, which has recently been identified as the main variant spreading in Beijing.</p>
<p>According to reports from China, BF.7 has the strongest ability for infection among all other Omicron subvariants. It spreads more quickly than other variants, has a shorter incubation period, and has a higher capacity to infect those who have already experienced COVID-19 infection, vaccination, or both.</p>
<p>Poor immunity is also being blamed for the high level of spread in Chinese cities, including the capital city of Beijing.
</p> <h5>Has this new variant been found in other countries?
</h5>  <p>BF.7 has also been found in several countries, including India, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), and other European nations, including Belgium, Germany, France, and Denmark. In India, the BF.7 subvariant has been found in two cases from Gujarat and two from Odisha. </p>
<p>Despite advising people to wear masks in crowded areas, the government has stated that there is no reason to panic. Indian Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured the public that the government is equipped to handle all circumstances.</p>
<p>States have been asked to send samples that can be checked in labs to identify the subvariant. Even though the number of COVID-19 cases in India is not increasing at an alarming rate, it is important to monitor and look out for any new variants.</p>
<p>The Indian government has also approved a nasal vaccine against COVID-19. This will be made available first in private hospitals and will be included in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.
</p> <h5>Can you tell me more about this new variant?
</h5>  <p>Subvariants of viruses are created when they mutate. This is similar to how a tree sprouts branches. Similarly, COVID-19 sprouted various branches out of which Omicron is one. BF.7 is a new subvariant of Omicron. The basic reproduction number for BF.7 is thought to range from 10 to 18.6.</p>
<p>This means a person who has been infected with this new subvariant can spread the virus to 10 to 18.6 other people on average. It is believed that the high rate of BF.7 transmission is making it extremely difficult to contain the epidemic in China. The signs of an infection with BF.7 are similar to those of other Omicron subvariants.</p>
<p>Among other symptoms, patients may experience a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and exhaustion. Also, other problems like vomiting can be experienced by a small percentage of patients. People with weakened immune systems could develop more serious illnesses as a result of BF.7.
</p> <h5>What did we learn from this article?
</h5>  <p>We learned that a new COVID-19 variant called BF.7 is on the rise in China. However, we shouldn’t panic. The strongest tool we still have to combat COVID-19 is vaccination, so get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated.</p>
<p>Wear a mask in public places, sanitize your hands if need be and ensure your friends and family are doing the same. 
</p>

Many subvariants of the COVID-19 virus have been discovered in recent months. One such subvariant is behind the recent COVID spread in China. Let’s read to find out more.

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