Have not spotted reverse zoonosis cases in India yet: Dr Priya Abraham, Director National Institute of Virology

What is the current status of the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV-2?

This virus is still an invisible enemy to the world. Under-vaccinated countries and regions are more susceptible. Also, it is still a problem for the elderly as well as people with comorbidities, particularly if they are unvaccinated. So the virus is very much around, but as the number of vaccinated people and those exposed to the virus have substantially increased in India and many parts of the world, we are relatively better off for now.

How risky is the new Omicron subvariant, which has been fuelling the recent spike of cases in China?

Omicron has a sub-lineage named BA.2 and we are seeing that in India too. It is the Omicron variant of concern, not a new variant. In fact, the predominant strain in our country is now BA.2. As far as we know, it is more transmissible and can evade the immune response to some extent but it is not causing severe disease or death in those who are vaccinated or have had natural infection.

Are there instances in India where the Covid virus has gone from humans to animals and back?

There have been instances in Denmark where the virus migrated from humans to minks and returned to humans. In India we have not spotted any case of reverse zoonosis as yet.

How important is it to adopt coordinated virus research — of humans and animals?

The government has given a lot of emphasis on what we call One Health — the study of infections in both humans and animals. As part of the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, a satellite One Health centre is being built in Nagpur. A new BSL-4 lab will be constructed there. The centre is likely to be ready by the end of next year, latest by 2024.

Some of the deadly diseases come from animals. For instance, if we notice an unusual number of bats or birds die in a particular region, we must investigate it and study it holistically. Our future lies in virus research encompassing animals, humans and the environment.