A new COVID-19 variant known as XFG has been detected in over 150 cases across India, as per the latest report from INSACOG—the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium. A network of 54 laboratories across the country that track how coronavirus is changing, INSACOG flags emerging variants so that public health systems can respond effectively.

This data comes when there are more than 6,800 reported active COVID-19 cases across the country, as per the Union Health Ministry.

According to experts, XFG is a recombinant subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus—and it is formed by the mixing of two earlier variants, first detected in Canada. Scientists say the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 have combined to form XFG. Recombinant variants emerge when a person is infected with two different strains of the virus simultaneously, and the virus "mixes and matches" its genetic material.

Doctors say XFG is classified under the larger Omicron family of COVID-19, which has been dominating across the world since 2020. INSACOG’s latest data says Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of XFG cases (89), followed by Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (six each).

At present, health authorities say there is no evidence that XFG can lead to severe illness or cause higher mortality compared to other Omicron sub-variants. However, it can be associated with mild upper respiratory symptoms in most vaccinated or previously infected individuals.

However, the virus remains unpredictable and can bind to human cells, which could cause new waves if left unchecked. This variant also leads to key spike protein mutations—His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile—that could impact the virus’s ability to infect cells, dodge immunity, and spread more quickly, according to The Lancet. Some mutations weaken the virus’s ability to bind to human cells—known as reduced ACE2 receptor binding—while others help it evade the immune system, allowing it to slip past the body’s natural defences or vaccine protection.

A few striking signs and symptoms of XFG include:

Hoarseness or a hoarse voice among COVID-19 patients. Unlike earlier waves, where loss of taste and smell were hallmark symptoms, this time many patients complain of a dry or irritating cough accompanied by throat pain and hoarseness.

Doctors from various hospitals have confirmed that hoarseness is now a common symptom seen in OPDs across India.

India’s vaccination drive has been largely successful, with over 95 per cent of eligible adults vaccinated and about 75 per cent having received booster doses.

However, only around 18 per cent have received vaccines specifically designed to target Omicron strains, which may affect the level of protection against new variants. Despite the rise in cases, vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe disease and hospitalization. Health officials advise people to stay updated with their vaccine doses, especially those at higher risk.