KP.2, which is part of the FLiRT variants, is said to be highly transmissible in nature. However, doctors have said that it is not virulent. “There is no reason to believe that the FLiRT group of variants being reported are more virulent than the existing variants,” Dr Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim, told IANS. “KP.2 appears to be more transmissible,” he added.

“While KP.2 may be the most predominant variant, it is not causing a massive increase in infections,” as seen in the data from other countries, Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.