logo
Covid cases rise in Noida, 1st infection recorded in Arunachal in current wave

Covid cases rise in Noida, 1st infection recorded in Arunachal in current wave

India Today28-05-2025

The Covid is again on the rise in certain parts of India, with fresh cases surfacing in Noida, Arunachal Pradesh, Lucknow, Karnataka, and Thane. Noida has 19 active patients, all of them having mild symptoms. Arunachal Pradesh has reported its first case in the current wave—a mother-daughter duo—and Lucknow its first case in 2025, courtesy of the JN.1 sub-variant. Karnataka has reported 36 new cases in a day, and 24 infections in Maharashtra's city of Thane. Even a suspected Covid death in Agra has brought the focus back on tests and surveillance efforts. Here's a listicle of the latest developments:
advertisementNoida has reported 19 active Covid cases, comprising 11 women and 8 men. According to Dr Tikam Singh, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, all patients are experiencing only mild symptoms such as the common cold and are currently in home isolation. The district health department is conducting contact tracing and reviewing travel histories. Antigen testing camps will be set up at the district hospital, and patient samples have been sent for genome sequencing. Authorities have advised residents to wear masks and avoid crowded places.
Arunachal Pradesh has reported its first Covid cases in the ongoing wave. A 34-year-old pregnant woman who arrived in Itanagar from Bengaluru on May 13 tested positive via RT-PCR after earlier showing symptoms of mild cough and fever. Her 53-year-old mother also tested positive but remains asymptomatic. The woman is hospitalised while her mother is in isolation. State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa confirmed the cases and said the new strain appears less severe.
advertisement
In Uttar Pradesh, A 78-year-old Firozabad resident, who was admitted to an Agra hospital for a hip fracture and head injury, died after testing positive for COVID-19. While the cause of death remains uncertain, health officials noted that he was also suffering from multiple serious health conditions. Lucknow reported its first COVID-19 case of 2025 linked to the JN.1 sub-variant. Uttar Pradesh logged 10 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the state's active tally to 30.
Karnataka reported 36 new infections on Tuesday, raising the state's active cases to 100. The daily positivity rate stands at 9.44%. Doctors and health workers have been instructed to wear masks. Thane city added 24 new cases. Nine patients are hospitalised, and 46 are under home quarantine. One patient with diabetes-related complications died last week. Additionally, AIIMS Patna reported seven positive cases among healthcare workers, including a doctor and a nurse, who are under medical supervision.
The Indian Medical Association – Karnataka State Branch has issued advisories to doctors amid rising cases. New Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, classified by the WHO as variants under monitoring, have been detected in India. Hotspot states currently include Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka, with mild increases in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Jain said that the latest variants resemble viral fevers with symptoms of common cold and cough. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also on Monday told officials there is no need to panic, but stressed the importance of being fully prepared.
Tune InMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Covid-19

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

35-year-old man with comorbidities dies ten days after testing positive for COVID-19
35-year-old man with comorbidities dies ten days after testing positive for COVID-19

New Indian Express

time25 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

35-year-old man with comorbidities dies ten days after testing positive for COVID-19

VILLUPURAM: A 35-year-old man passed away ten days after testing positive for COVID-19 at the Villupuram government medical college hospital on June 6. The deceased, identified as Thiagarajan, a native of Perapperi village near Tindivanam, had been working as a construction contractor in Hyderabad. He allegedly contracted the virus while at work in Hyderabad ten days ago. Following the onset of fever and other COVID-related symptoms, he returned to his native village in Tindivanam, a week ago. Initially admitted to the Tindivanam government hospital, Thiagarajan was later referred to the Villupuram government medical college hospital for advanced treatment after his condition worsened early on June 6. Despite intensive medical efforts, he passed away due to cardiac failure, medical sources said. The deceased was diabetic, suffered from hypertension, cardiac issues and was under medication for Tuberculosis. Further, sources stated that his health deteriorated rapidly after his return from Hyderabad, leading to his eventual demise. Speaking to TNIE, Villupuram Deputy Director Health Services Dr Senthil Kumar said, "The patient tested positive for COVID in Hyderabad. However, he tested negative on Friday morning, but he died due to comorbidities. Six members who were in contact with him were isolated. People in the village have been asked to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines."

New coronavirus in China shows pandemic-like threat, scientists warn
New coronavirus in China shows pandemic-like threat, scientists warn

India Today

time41 minutes ago

  • India Today

New coronavirus in China shows pandemic-like threat, scientists warn

A group of mysterious bat viruses might be just one tiny mutation away from becoming a serious problem for humans, warn US researchers in a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature viruses belong to the same family as MERS-CoV, a dangerous coronavirus that emerged in 2012 and causes severe respiratory a death rate of around 34%, MERS-CoV has already shown the world what these viruses are capable Now, scientists from Washington State University, Caltech, and the University of North Carolina have turned their focus to a lesser-known subgroup called these, one subgroup in particular, called the HKU5 viruses, is raising red flags."HKU5 viruses haven't been studied much, but our research shows they have the machinery to infect cells. In fact, they might be only a single step away from being able to infect humans,' said Dr. Michael Letko, a virologist and lead author of the IS THIS WORRYING?Like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19, these bat viruses use a spike protein to latch onto cells and infect them. With a death rate of around 34%, MERS-CoV has already shown the world what these viruses are capable of. () advertisementThis study showed that HKU5 viruses can bind to a receptor called ACE2, the same one used by Covid-19, but currently only in bats, not that line is thinner than it just a small genetic tweak, these viruses could potentially start binding to human cells. In fact, some versions have already been spotted infecting minks in China, a sign that they can jump across if that mutation happens in just the right way, the next big spillover could be on the horizon."These viruses are very close relatives of MERS. That alone should make us pay attention," Letko said in a take the research a step further, scientists also used AI, specifically a tool called AlphaFold 3, to simulate how the spike protein would interact with ACE2 receptors. This study showed that HKU5 viruses can bind to a receptor called ACE2, the same one used by Covid-19, but currently only in bats, not humans.() This software predicted virus behaviour in minutes, a process that would usually take months of lab work. The AI's findings closely matched results from traditional lab researchers had earlier shared findings of the new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2 in study led by virologist Shi Zhengli, who is also known as the 'batwoman".Zhengli found that in lab experiments, HKU5-CoV-2 infected human cells with high ACE2 levels in test tubes and in models of human intestines and researchers also identified monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs that target the bat DOES THIS STUDY MATTER?The study's findings matter because, as we've learned from Covid-19, viruses don't need a passport to go global. If we ignore the warning signs, we risk another pandemic blindsiding an eye on viruses like HKU5 gives scientists a head start in developing vaccines, treatments, and public health strategies, before it's too Dr. Letko put it, there's no need to panic, but there is every reason to prepare.

NB.1.8.1 Covid-19 variant makes up 10% cases globally: Should you worry?
NB.1.8.1 Covid-19 variant makes up 10% cases globally: Should you worry?

Business Standard

timean hour ago

  • Business Standard

NB.1.8.1 Covid-19 variant makes up 10% cases globally: Should you worry?

Just when many believed Covid-19 was in the rear-view mirror, a new variant has quietly gained ground. NB.1.8.1, first detected in China in January 2025, now accounts for one in ten Covid-19 cases globally—up from just one in forty a month ago. It has spread across twenty-two countries so far. What is NB.1.8.1 variant? According to the World Health Organization, NB.1.8.1 is among several fast-evolving Omicron-lineage variants. From January to May 2025, global dominance shifted from XEC to LP.8.1, with NB.1.8.1 now surging rapidly. The WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring due to its rise in prevalence and potential public health implications. Officials stress that while vigilance is crucial, there is no cause for alarm. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and death. How NB.1.8.1 behaves and how severe it really is NB.1.8.1 is a sublineage of the Omicron JN.1 family. It carries similar characteristics—high transmissibility, but mostly mild to moderate illness. It also includes new mutations on the spike protein, which may enhance its ability to spread and evade immunity. So far, there is no evidence to suggest NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, hospitalisations or death compared to previous variants. NB.1.8.1 symptoms: What to watch for Common symptoms include: Dry, persistent cough Runny or blocked nose Fatigue and general body aches Sore throat Fever or chills Headache or hoarseness in some cases Many report being able to go about daily activities but feel unusually tired and sluggish. Are vaccines still effective against NB.1.8.1? Updated vaccines, including the latest Omicron-targeted boosters, are designed to protect against the JN.1 family. While they may not prevent all infections, they continue to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and severe outcomes. Expert guidance includes: If you are over sixty, have chronic health conditions or are immunocompromised, get a booster if it has been more than six months since your last dose If you are healthy and under sixty, no new dose is required at present Use masks in public transport and crowded indoor spaces How to manage NB.1.8.1 symptoms at home In most cases, NB.1.8.1 does not require hospitalisation. Here is what helps: Rest and stay well hydrated Use paracetamol or other over-the-counter medications for fever or aches Recovery generally takes five to seven days If you are elderly or immunocompromised, speak to your doctor early. Antiviral medication is most effective within five days of the onset of symptoms. Warning signs: When to seek emergency help Seek urgent medical care if you experience any of the following: Difficulty breathing Chest pain or tightness Confusion or trouble staying awake Severe dizziness or fainting Do not panic, but stay informed Experts believe NB.1.8.1 will follow a familiar seasonal pattern seen with earlier variants—periodic surges during winter and summer months. Most infections remain mild. Vaccines continue to work. Keep an eye on symptoms, isolate if unwell, and consult your doctor when in doubt.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store