
Kerala logs 182 COVID cases in May; Health Minister Veena George says ‘We need to be prepared'
Garvit Bhirani
Published 22 May 2025, 02:03 PM IST Kerala: 182 COVID cases reported in May (Representational image)
Kerala has recorded 182 fresh Covid-19 cases so far in May, leading state health authorities to issue new guidelines requesting for mask use and caution, particularly among vulnerable groups. Health Minister Veena George said 'We need to be prepared' as cases rise in other countries.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karnataka reports 1.2k Covid cases since Jan
Bengaluru: Karnataka reported 1,220 Covid-19 cases since Jan 1, with 559 active cases, 652 recoveries, and 9 deaths recorded. The rise comes amid a fresh nationwide uptick in infections, with the current rate of positivity in the state at 40.7% – out of 650 tests conducted Monday, 265 found positive. However, health experts maintain that the current situation does not warrant panic, though precautions remain necessary. Out of 559 active cases, 552 people are under home isolation. According to Dr Sunil Kumar, epidemiologist and secretary of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, the recent cases in Karnataka and other parts of the country are largely due to sublineages of the Omicron variant—specifically JN.1, LF.7, and NF.1.8.1. "These are not new variants, but descendants of Omicron. They are more transmissible, which explains the steady rise in the numbers," he said. Despite the increase in cases, the severity remains low. Dr Kumar noted, "Over 95% of patients are recovering at home, with only 3-4% requiring hospitalisation. Very few of those hospitalised need oxygen support. Another factor contributing to the rise is the expansion of testing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The state resumed screening for ILI (influenza-like illness) and Sari (severe acute respiratory infection), which naturally results in more detected cases. Covid moved into an endemic phase. Unlike earlier pandemic waves, such periodic surges are expected once or twice a year." Dr Vinay Hosadurga, a general physician at Vasavi Hospitals, pointed out a shift in symptoms with the current variant. "Earlier, many patients reported loss of smell and taste. That's no longer common. What we are seeing now in some cases is diarrhoea," he said. He added, "The monsoon season could further complicate diagnosis due to a simultaneous rise in flu cases. Since both flu and Covid-19 present similar symptoms such as fever and fatigue, patients are advised to avoid self-medication and consult a doctor. There is no cause for alarm, as most cases are mild. But it's still important to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and seek medical advice if symptoms arise."


Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gujarat's active Covid case tally crosses 1,000-mark
Ahmedabad: The number of active Covid cases in the state crossed the 1,000-mark on Monday at 1,109 cases. Of these, 33 patients are hospitalized whereas 1,076 are receiving OPD treatment or are under home isolation, according to a state health department bulletin. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the past 24 hours, 106 people were discharged after recovery. A 16-year-old girl admitted with Covid infection and other health complications died at Sola Civil, making it the fourth death in the state in the current wave. All four deaths reported so far are of women, they added. Ahmedabad on Monday recorded 131 new Covid cases, taking the active cases in the city to 646. According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) data, the West Zone has 211 active cases, the highest, followed by 204 in the North-West and 114 in the South-West zones. Western city areas account for about 82% of the active cases. According to city physicians, almost all cases have flu-like symptoms that persist for three to five days. "Those with existing comorbidities and immuno-compromised conditions should consult doctors when they develop such symptoms," a physician said. Three patients were given oxygen support at Asarwa Civil Hospital and two at Sola Civil Hospital, the officials said. Across India, 163 cases of the XFG variant of Covid-19 have been reported, out of which Gujarat has 11 cases, according to INSACOG data. The recombinant XFG variant, which harbours four key spike mutations, achieved rapid global spread following its initial detection in Canada, according to an article in The Lancet journal. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the XFG variant was found in 163 samples – 89 in Maharashtra, the highest, followed by 16 in Tamil Nadu, 15 in Kerala, 11 in Gujarat and six each in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
8 new Covid cases in 2 days in Nagpur, June tally at 14
Nagpur: Though medical experts termed the new Covid-19 variant mild, Nagpur reported eight new cases in two days. This brings the total number of cases to 14 so far in June, while the number of active cases in the city has risen to 13. From January, Nagpur recorded 26 Covid-positive cases. Health officials say the recent spike is likely linked to seasonal changes, which have also triggered a surge in viral infections. As symptoms of common viral fever and Covid-19 overlap, people are growing anxious. Doctors have advised citizens not to dismiss any flu-like symptoms and to get tested promptly. Individuals with comorbidities like diabetes, asthma, kidney or liver issues, or heart conditions need to take extra care. As per available data, the city had six active Covid cases as of June 6. The latest report dated June 9 confirmed eight new infections, and one Covid-related death was also reported.