Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 6 May 2024 | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. 

COVID is still there among us and recently two new variants have been found in the US. Termed as the "FLiRT" these two variants include KP.2 which overtook the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron in recent weeks. As per the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KP.2 is behind one in four infections nationwide. COVID is still there among us and recently two new variants have been found in the US.
Termed as the "FLiRT" these two variants include KP.2 which overtook the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron in recent weeks. As per the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KP.2 is behind one in four infections nationwide. COVID is still there among us and recently two new variants have been found in the US. Termed as the "FLiRT" these two variants include KP.2 which overtook the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron in recent weeks. As per the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID is still there among us and recently two new variants have been found in the US. Termed as the "FLiRT" these two variants include KP.2 which overtook the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron in recent weeks. As per the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, KP.2 is behind one in four infections nationwide.
The other FLiRT variant is KP.1.1 which is also circulating in the US but is less widespread than KP.2. It currently accounts for about 7.5% of infections nationwide, per the CDC. is KP.1.1 which is also circulating in the US but is less widespread than KP.2. It currently accounts for about 7.5% of infections nationwide, per the CDC. is KP.1.1 which is also circulating in the US but is less widespread than KP.2. It currently accounts for about 7.5% of infections nationwide, per the CDC.
Why the name FLiRT?
According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the nickname 'FLiRT' is based on the technical names for their mutations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reclassified it as a variant of interest and advised close monitoring.According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the nickname 'FLiRT' is based on the technical names for their mutations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reclassified it as a variant of interest and advised close monitoring.According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the nickname 'FLiRT' is based on the technical names for their mutations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reclassified it as a variant of interest and advised close monitoring.
[Excerpt from Indian Express “FLiRT: New COVID-19 Variants Increase Concern in US” Dated 06/05/24]

Q1: Which of the following is true about the FLiRT variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage?
(a) They exhibit fewer mutations compared to the main Omicron variant.
(b) They have lower hospitalization rates compared to other COVID-19 variants.
(c) They are less contagious than other Omicron infections.
(d) They are primarily characterized by symptoms different from other Omicron infections.

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Q2: What is the significance of the "FLiRT" name for the variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage?
(a) It indicates the variants' resistance to vaccines.
(b) It represents the severity of symptoms caused by the variants.
(c) It derives from the scientific names of the mutations found in the variants.
(d) It suggests the origin of the variants in China.

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Q3: Which variant has reportedly become more prevalent than the JN.1 variant within the Omicron JN.1 lineage?
(a) KP.1.1
(b) KP.2
(c) Omicron B.1.1.529
(d) FLiRT-1

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Q4: What is the primary role of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)?
(a) Conducting research on COVID-19 variants
(b) Representing healthcare professionals specializing in cardiology
(c) Developing guidelines on the treatment of infectious diseases
(d) Ensuring the availability of trained surgeons

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Q5: What is the main characteristic of the Omicron JN.1 lineage?
(a) Lower contagiousness compared to the main Omicron variant
(b) Similarity in mutations to the Delta variant
(c) Higher severity of symptoms compared to other variants
(d) Presence of mutations differentiating it from the main Omicron lineage

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