No cause for concern yet from current Covid strain: Expert
Bengaluru: Over the past few days, as the number of Covid-positive cases have suddenly shot up in places such as Hong Kong and Singapore, among others,
Dr T Jacob John
, a virologist previously associated with Christian Medical College Vellore, has assured there is no cause for concern yet.
In an exclusive chat with TOI, he, however, emphasised that preventive measures still hold the key in controlling the spread of the virus.
Following are excerpts from a free-wheeling chat.
Which variant of the virus is currently in circulation?
These are all subvariants of Omicron. The JN.1 variant, first detected in the US in September 2023, has been detected worldwide. The current seasonal surge is caused by further subvariants of JN.1.
Karnataka has reported 16 new Covid cases. Is there cause for concern?
Unlike the earlier variants, Omicron and all its subvariants cause only upper respiratory tract infection, with almost no lung involvement, no hypoxia, and no bleeding/clotting disorders.
Omicron and its subvariants have become endemic everywhere, just like seasonal influenza. Occasional upsurges are expected, and one such upsurge is happening now, but healthy people recover in two weeks.
Is there a need to step up surveillance and enforce mask-wearing?
Some degree of stepped-up surveillance is important. Masking up in crowded places is one such simple precaution. Everyone should also cover up while coughing or sneezing. However, since mortality rate is still very low, there is no need for enforcing mask-wearing yet. However, like all respiratory diseases, the elderly and those with comorbidities need to be careful.
16 active Covid cases in Karnataka
According to data from the state health department, Karnataka presently has 16 active Covid cases. However, Dr Naveen Bhat, director, National Health Mission (NHM), indicated screening for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) will intensify in the state.
"Those who test positive for ILI and SARI need to be tested for COVID," he told TOI.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Gundu Rao, the health minister, reiterated that there is no cause for alarm. "If you go around testing, a few cases will always be reported. But it's just a mild infection," he said.
Dr John Paul, infectious diseases consultant at Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru, confirmed that their healthcare facilities throughout the city have documented three cases of COVID infection over the last month.
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