One more death takes Covid toll to eight; active cases surge to 1,435 in Kerala
T'PURAM/PATHANAMTHITTA : Kerala's latest Covid toll rose to eight as one more person died of the infection on Monday. Meanwhile, 35 new cases took the state's active case-load to 1,435, even as Health Minister Veena George attributed the surge to the state's commitment to accurate and widespread testing.
With the latest deaths, Kerala's cumulative Covid death toll stands at 72,147 since the pandemic began. There have been 32 Covid-related deaths in the country this year, with the majority occurring after the surge in May. Before May 19, Kerala had reported just one death due to the virus. Health officials said most of the deceased had underlying health conditions.
The current surge in cases is being attributed to the rapidly spreading Omicron JN.1 sub-lineages, especially LF.7 and NB.1.8. Surveillance was ramped up in the state after a spike in cases was observed in Southeast Asian countries at the end of April. The health department has made masks mandatory in hospitals and for healthcare workers.
A few private hospitals have set up dedicated wards and ICU wings exclusively for Covid patients to prevent cross-infection. A screening process has been introduced for symptomatic individuals, especially those in high-risk categories.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the district Praveshanotsavam in Pathanamthitta, Veena attributed the rise in cases to the state's accuracy in Covid testing. 'Testing is being done and the numbers are being recorded accurately. So, there is no need to worry. We are monitoring the situation very closely,' she said.
The minister said in view of the global surge in Covid cases, Kerala has ramped up testing. 'As a result, we are witnessing a spike in the number of cases. Other places have not initiated testing yet,' she said.
Though the variant appears to be less severe, its potential for spread remains high, Veena noted while urging people to take precaution, including wearing masks.
The health department has instructed district medical officers to monitor different areas for potential outbreaks and implement preventive measures.
Veena stressed that those with pre-existing illnesses should take extra precautions, including wearing of masks, as Covid poses a greater risk to them. The minister also urged the people to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and reminded healthcare workers to strictly adhere to infection control protocols.
matic individuals, especially
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
61 Covid cases reported in Rajkot since May 19
Rajkot: Rajkot has recorded 61 Covid-19 cases since May 19, including nine fresh cases reported on June 3, according to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC). Of these, 18 patients have recovered while 43 remain under treatment — all in home isolation with stable health conditions. Most of the infected people — aged between 26 and 57 years — had received at least two doses of the vaccine and had no recent travel history, RMC officials said. The civic body stated that the current cases in Gujarat are primarily Omicron subvariants and the XFG recombinant strain, which typically cause mild symptoms such as fever, sneezing, and cold. Patients have been advised to seek medical help if they develop breathing issues or chest pain. Those with comorbidities have been urged to wear masks and avoid crowded places. "The rise in Covid cases every six to eight months is a trend we are observing. There's no cause for panic — only precautions are necessary," a health officer said.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Seven Covid cases reported in Surat
Surat: Seven new Covid-19 cases were reported in areas under the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday, including four senior citizens. As per protocol, their samples have been sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar for genome sequencing. Among the cases is a 48-year-old woman doctor from Pal who is currently in home isolation. A 44-year-old homemaker from Vesu, with a history of thyroid issues, is also isolating at home with stable health. A 67-year-old woman from Varachha with thyroid issues has been admitted to Ayush Hospital. A 68-year-old retired man from Athwa, with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke is undergoing treatment at Kiran Hospital while a 66-year-old businessman from Adajan, who returned from Mumbai on June 2, has tested positive and is under home care. Others include a 68-year-old woman from Adajan and a 31-year-old man from Limbayat who works in Vapi — both are in home isolation and reported to be stable.
Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. It's more dangerous than ever
The new Covid-19 mutation from China is "more transmissible," health experts have warned, as it makes its way into the United States A new, highly contagious strain of Covid-19 that has driven a wave of hospitalisations across China has now surfaced in the United States and has sparked concerns among federal health officials. The variant, identified as NB.1.81, was first detected in the United States between late March and early April among international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Since then, additional cases have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new Covid-19 mutation from China is "more transmissible," health experts have warned, as it makes its way into the United States. The development comes when US Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially removed the Covid vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. ALSO READ: Biden suffers big jolt as his longtime aide claims she's no longer a Democrat and makes shocking departureAccording to the Irish Star, the California Department of Public Health is sounding the alarm over the presence of this highly contagious variant. "In other words, it is more transmissible," stated Verma. Meanwhile, China has claimed that Covid-19 did not emerge in Wuhan and originated in the officials have noted that this particular strain first emerged in March and has seen a sharp increase since early May, according to The Express. In California, its prevalence has jumped from just 2% in April to 19%, based on official variant is considered more dangerous than earlier ones, with the potential to drive up infection rates and READ: 'Wicked: For Good' trailer is coming to select theaters in US. Check time and other details World Health Organization data shows that the strain now makes up over half of global cases, prompting California officials to push for the reinstatement of mask the California Department of Public Health maintains that 'currently available vaccines are expected to remain effective.' Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing criticism for attempting to restrict vaccine access for healthy children and pregnant is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses, with figures doubling from 3.3 to 6.3 percent, and emergency room patients testing positive for COVID have seen a significant Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet begun tracking the emerging NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant. Meanwhile, LP.8.1 remains the dominant strain in the United States, accounting for approximately 73% of current cases. Its symptoms closely mirror those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, chills, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. ALSO READ: Trump's sweeping bill to cut taxes by $3.75 trillion but will burden millions of Americans. Check details The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its mutations and international spread. Although it has been identified in 22 countries, no travel restrictions have been imposed. The WHO maintains that existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing both symptomatic and severe illness caused by this variant, and currently assesses the global risk as low.
