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.
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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."
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