<p>Eighteen cases of the new XBB coronavirus variant were reportedly detected in the urban areas of Maharashtra, causing concern among authorities.</p>.<p>The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics confirmed the 18 cases in the first two weeks of October.</p>.<p>The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme under Maharashtra government’s public health department revealed that 13 of these cases were from Pune, two each from Nagpur and Thane, and one from Akola.</p>.<p>Apart from these, Pune also reported one Covid-19 case each of variants BQ 1 and BA.2.3.20 between September 24–October 12.</p>.<p>Fifteen of the total 20 cases reported already had received the vaccination; information on the remaining cases was yet to be collated.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/women-twice-as-likely-as-men-to-develop-long-covid-study-1154934.html" target="_blank">Women twice as likely as men to develop long Covid: Study</a></strong></p>.<p>“Genetic mutations are part of the natural life cycle of the virus and there is no need to be concerned, but it is essential to take appropriate precautions for Covid-19 containment,” an official said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The Maharashtra government has advised people to take extra precautions, including wearing masks while in public places.</p>.<p>People suffering from influenza-like illness have been advised to avoid public contact as much as possible.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, 418 new cases and three deaths of Covid-19 were reported, taking the progressive total since the outbreak to 81,28,676 cases and 1,48,377 deaths.</p>.<p>Last known, the number of active Covid-19 cases in the state was at 2,688.</p>
<p>Eighteen cases of the new XBB coronavirus variant were reportedly detected in the urban areas of Maharashtra, causing concern among authorities.</p>.<p>The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics confirmed the 18 cases in the first two weeks of October.</p>.<p>The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme under Maharashtra government’s public health department revealed that 13 of these cases were from Pune, two each from Nagpur and Thane, and one from Akola.</p>.<p>Apart from these, Pune also reported one Covid-19 case each of variants BQ 1 and BA.2.3.20 between September 24–October 12.</p>.<p>Fifteen of the total 20 cases reported already had received the vaccination; information on the remaining cases was yet to be collated.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/women-twice-as-likely-as-men-to-develop-long-covid-study-1154934.html" target="_blank">Women twice as likely as men to develop long Covid: Study</a></strong></p>.<p>“Genetic mutations are part of the natural life cycle of the virus and there is no need to be concerned, but it is essential to take appropriate precautions for Covid-19 containment,” an official said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The Maharashtra government has advised people to take extra precautions, including wearing masks while in public places.</p>.<p>People suffering from influenza-like illness have been advised to avoid public contact as much as possible.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, 418 new cases and three deaths of Covid-19 were reported, taking the progressive total since the outbreak to 81,28,676 cases and 1,48,377 deaths.</p>.<p>Last known, the number of active Covid-19 cases in the state was at 2,688.</p>
