Covid cases likely to rise with random testing, but virus mild, no cause for panic: Experts
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Nagpur: As Maharashtra prepares to resume random Covid-19 testing, health experts have cautioned that the number of detected cases may increase, but they firmly reiterated that there is no need to panic.
The virus strain currently in circulation is mild, and no deaths have been reported in the state so far in 2025.
The move comes amid rising anxiety due to increasing cases in Mumbai and surrounding areas. However, experts say that the numbers are expected to rise slightly due to increased surveillance, not because of any dangerous new variant.
"The virus strain is mild and manageable. There is no mortality reported till now.
Precautionary measures and preparedness are important, but there is absolutely no need to panic," said Dr Sunil Khaparde, senior public health specialist and former team leader for Covid-19 surveillance in Maharashtra and part of the central task force of the ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW).
Backing this, Dr Nitin Shinde, senior infectious disease specialist from Nagpur, emphasised the strength of India's natural defence against Covid.
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"The natural immunity developed in India is strong enough. The current virus is not causing severe disease at all. People should not worry," Dr Shinde said.
By May 22, Maharashtra had conducted 6,477 Covid tests, out of which 165 people tested positive. A sharp rise was recorded on May 22, when 33 patients tested positive. Over 600 samples were tested from Nagpur in various private and public labs between January and May 2025.
"Covid testing is now part of standard infectious disease panels. There is nothing alarming about it. All Covid positive patients reported in Nagpur this year fully recovered, and no deaths were reported," said Dr Rajesh Deokate, pathologist.
Health officials have also appealed to citizens to follow basic hygiene protocols, mask up in crowded places, and test early in case of symptoms like cough, fever, or body ache.
On Thursday, Mumbai reported 22 cases, Pune 5, Thane 3, Pimpri Chinchwad 2, and Latur 1. Nagpur has reported just 8 cases so far in 2025, including January 1, February 0, March 1, April 2, and May 4.
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