Is the SARSCoV2 XBB.1.16 lineage a cause for concern?

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Health

Concept :

The lineage XBB.1.5, a sub lineage of the XBB, is currently designated as a Variant of Interest (VOI) by the WHO.
Two such recombinant lineages are currently designated as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization –
- XBB, a recombinant of Omicron sublineages BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, and
- XBF, a recombinant of BA.5.2.3 and BA.2.75.3 Omicron sublineages.
The lineage XBB.1.5, a sublineage of the XBB, first identified in New York City in October 2022, is currently designated as a Variant of Interest (VOI) by the WHO.

XBB.1.16 lineage

First detected in SARSCoV2 sequences from India, the 1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the virus and is a descendent of the XBB lineage.
The lineage has been circulating predominantly in India.
Mutation T478R is associated with immune escape, or the ability of the virus to evade antibodies generated from previous infections or vaccines.

Why is XBB.1.16 a cause for concern?

Amid the ongoing increase in the number of seasonal influenza H3N2 cases, an uptick in COVID19 cases is also being seen in India in the month of March, despite the low number of testing.
The total number of active COVID19 cases across the country has increased to over 6,000.
The fast spreading XBB.1.16 lineage is believed to be responsible for the recent spike in COVID19 cases in India.
The States of Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra have reported the highest number of XBB.1.16 cases.
Protecting the vulnerable through time tested means could significantly blunt the rise in infections.

XBB.1.16 Variant Detected in 12 Countries

According to experts, the new XBB.1.16 variant has now been detected in at least 12 countries, with the highest number of cases in India, followed by the US, Brunei, Singapore, and the UK. India has seen a 281% increase in cases and a 17% increase in deaths over the past 14 days

Is the SARS­CoV­2 XBB.1.16 lineage a cause for concern?