Mumbai: A new variant of covid is making its presence felt in Maharastra threatening to swamp the country with increasing cases ahead of winter and festive season.
The state health department on Monday warned the XBB variant being reported in the state has a "growth advantage over BA.2.75 and immune evasive property".
The BA.2.3.20 and BQ.1 variants have also been detected in the state, a first for the country, it added.
It said new COVID-19 cases rose by 17.17 per cent in the October 10-16 period when compared to last week between October 3 and 9, with the rise being noticed particularly in densely-populated Thane, Raigad, and Mumbai.
"Some experts are predicting a rise (in cases) in the coming winter season, especially in festive environs," the bulletin cautioned.
It said the proportion of BA.2.75, an Omicron sub-variant, among cases detected had decreased from 95 per cent to 76 per cent.
The state health department said people must not ignore flu-like symptoms and should get medical advice at the earliest.
"They must observe COVID-appropriate behaviour at the earliest. Persons with comorbidities need to take extra precautions while visiting public places. Persons suffering from an influenza-like illness should avoid public contact as much as possible," the department's bulletin advised.
PTI with inputs