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The Star
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Experts in China work on Covid-19 antibody treatments for young children
GUANGZHOU: Zhong Nanshan (pic), a noted expert on respiratory illness, said his team is now actively developing antibodies to Covid-19, aiming to explore effective treatment methods more suitable for children under five years old in the following months. "Now the research of Covid-19 drug in this group of people is not sufficient, and it lacks sufficient safety evidence," said Zhong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. "It cannot be arbitrarily inferred that children over five years old can use it, and children as young as one year old are equally applicable," he said. "Now there is no relevant evidence to support this point of view." Zhong, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Guangzhou Science and Technology Week on Saturday. He said the current Covid-19 outbreak is still at its peak period across the country and is predicted to decline after June. Zhong urged relevant departments to pay great attention to the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 and influenza, and the infected individuals to take relevant medicine within the first 48 hours to avoid developing severe symptoms. Zhong expressed regret that Taiwan actress Barbie Hsu died of influenza in February. The incidence rate of influenza has recently been declining, he said, adding that patients should attach great importance to the timely treatment of influenza, especially the elderly, he said. "Certain dangers do exist for senior residents with underlying diseases," he said. According to monitoring data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, from March 31 to May 4, the Covid-19 positivity rate among outpatient and emergency influenza-like cases nationwide increased from 7.5 per cent to 16.2 per cent, while the positivity rate of hospitalized cases also increased from 3.3 per cent to 6.3 pe rcent. Zhong, head of Guangzhou Laboratory, a key State facility focused on studying respiratory diseases, is the winner of the Medal of the Republic, China's highest honour for outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the country. - China Daily/ANN
News18
19-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Which Countries Are Reporting Surge In Covid-19 Cases? Should You Travel To These Countries?
Last Updated: A fresh uptick in Covid-19 cases is being reported in Singapore and Hong Kong, sparking fears of a resurgent wave. China and Thailand are also reporting new cases. Five years after a deadly pandemic swept the world, Covid-19 cases are rising across the world, especially in Hong Kong and Singapore. The number of cases rose by 28% in Singapore, while Hong Kong logged 31 severe cases in just a week. Singapore is on high alert as the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week ending on May 3 went up to 14,200 from 11,100 a week before. Daily hospitalisations also saw a roughly 30% increase. On the other hand, the virus has surged to a 'quite high" level i Hong Kong, according to experts. In the week ending May 3, 31 deaths were reported, marking a one-year high. This sudden rise in Covid-19 cases has sparked fears of a new variant. Which Countries Are Reporting A Spike In Covid Cases? Singapore: Covid-19 cases in the country saw a drastic increase. Singapore's Ministry of Health said that LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of JN.1 variant that is used in new Covid-19 vaccines, were circulating in the country. The daily hospitalisations increased from 102 to 133, but daily ICU admissions declined slightly from 3 to 2. Hong Kong: There has been a spike in Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, from 6.21% of samples testing positive four weeks ago to 13.66% in the week leading to May 10. Hong Kong has recorded 81 severe cases, with 30 deaths, almost all elderly people with underlying health conditions. China: Covid-19 cases are rising in China once again, nearing the peak levels seen during the viral wave last year. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports that testing positivity rates have more than doubled in recent weeks. What About India? As per the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 bulletin, there are 93 active cases in India, but there have been no reports of a resurgent coronavirus wave. Health experts have advised people not to panic and follow basic precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded places. While the likelihood of a severe wave in India is minimal, staying alert remains a wise precaution, virologists and health experts told News18. However, mild infections can still occur, often resembling common cold or flu symptoms. Should You Travel To These Countries? If you are travelling to these countries, it is important to consider several things before you plan your trip, i.e., the severity of the Covid wave, your health status and local restrictions. If your trip is non-essential, it is best that you avoid travelling to countries where Covid cases are rising and look for alternatives. In case of essential travel, you should follow precautionary measures like wearing a mask, avoiding crowded areas, regularly washing hands and taking booster shots before getting on the plane. It is also advised to monitor your health and carry hand sanitisers. Is There Reason To Worry? Health authorities have cited waning immunity to Covid-19 cases as a reason behind the resurgent cases seen in several countries, along with fewer elderly people getting their booster shots. As long as you are healthy, vaccinated and not in a high-risk group, there is no reason to be worried. Since Covid-19 is now endemic, new waves appear from time to time. These waves are being treated as common flu outbreaks. However, people in older age groups and those with underlying health conditions should consider getting a booster shot and follow basic precautionary measures like wearing masks and avoiding travel while sick. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 19, 2025, 09:02 IST
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Covid-19 wave returns in Asia, cases increase in Hong Kong, Singapore
Covid-19 cases are rising sharply across Asia, with Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand reporting spikes. However, despite rising cases elsewhere in Asia, India has not reported any increase New Delhi Signalling a concerning resurgence of the virus that first emerged over five years ago, Covid-19 cases are rising once again across several parts of Asia. Densely-populated financial centres such as Hong Kong and Singapore have reported significant increases in infections, while health agencies in China and Thailand are also grappling with fresh outbreaks. Despite previous periods of relative stability, the current wave is unfolding in a season when respiratory viruses usually subside. Following a marked increase in Covid-19 cases, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection has issued a public alert. Albert Au, head of the Centre's Communicable Disease Branch, has said that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus have reached its highest level since last year. In the week ending May 3, Hong Kong recorded 31 severe cases — the highest weekly total reported in a year. Apart from the rise in positive test results, viral concentrations in sewage samples have also climbed, according to local media reports. Simultaneously, a growing number of residents are seeking hospital or clinic care for Covid-related symptoms. The city's entertainment sector has not been spared either. Prominent Hong Kong singer Eason Chan has tested positive for the virus, prompting the cancellation of his concerts in Taiwan. His infection has drawn public attention to the resurgence and reinforced calls for vigilance. Singapore reports 28% increase in Covid-19 cases Singapore's Ministry of Health reported a 28 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases for the week ending May 3, with estimated infections rising to 14,200. Hospital admissions due to the virus have also increased by about 30 per cent. This marks the country's first significant update on case numbers in nearly a year — a move Singapore typically reserves for periods of major surges. Officials attributed the current spike to waning immunity among the population rather than to any emergence of new, more transmissible or severe variants. The ministry clarified that there is no indication of greater virulence in the strains currently circulating. The fact that this surge is occurring during the summer months raises further concern. Authorities have encouraged those at higher risk, particularly the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, to take booster shots of the Covid vaccine to bolster their protection. Rising cases across the region Beyond Hong Kong and Singapore, other Asian nations are also experiencing renewed Covid-19 activity. In mainland China, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Covid test positivity rates in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4. The increase suggests that the country could face another wave of infections similar in scale to last summer. Thailand's Department of Disease Control has reported two significant Covid-19 outbreaks so far this year. A notable increase in infections followed the Songkran festival in April — a major public holiday known for large gatherings and celebrations, which may have facilitated the virus's spread. The widespread nature of the surge has prompted health authorities across the region to call upon the public to update their Covid vaccinations and remain alert. Particular emphasis is being placed on booster doses for high-risk groups. No new wave in India — for now Despite rising cases elsewhere in Asia, India has not reported any significant increase. According to the official dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently has only 93 active cases of Covid-19. Authorities have confirmed that no new wave of the virus has been detected so far. Nevertheless, the evolving situation in neighbouring regions serves as a reminder that conditions can change rapidly. The pandemic is not over? The latest resurgence of Covid-19 across Asia is a stark reminder that the virus remains a public health threat, even as many countries have lowered their guards. The recent rise in infections, despite it being warmer, contradicts earlier assumptions about Covid's seasonal behaviour and underscores its ability to defy predictable patterns. With countries like Hong Kong and Singapore seeing marked spikes, and China and Thailand reporting troubling trends, regional cooperation, timely data sharing, and proactive vaccination campaigns remain critical.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New Covid wave in Asia? Cases surge in Singapore, Hong Kong
Years after the world grappled with the devastating Covid pandemic, the virus appears to be resurging, especially in parts of Asia. According to a Bloomberg report, health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have recorded a spike in coronavirus cases in both regions. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection, termed the virus activity in the financial hub as 'quite high' while addressing the local media this week. The number of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid in Hong Kong recently hit its highest level in a year, the report added. According to official data, serious cases, including deaths due to Covid, also rose to 31 in the week that ended on May 3, the highest level in about a year. Although this spike in Covid cases in Hong Kong, which houses some seven million people, is not as high as the last two years, some factors point to the virus spreading rapidly. These factors include the rise in the viral load found in sewage water and the increased number of people seeking medical consultations and hospitalisations due to Covid, said the report. Singapore, which is also on Covid alert, shared the update on the rise in Covid cases in almost a year, with alarming numbers. As of the week that ended on May 3, the number of estimated Covid cases rose by 28% to 14,200 as compared to the week before. Singapore now only reports Covid case numbers when there's a big increase. According to Singapore's health ministry, the surge in Covid cases could be attributed to decline in the immunity of people. However, there are no indications that the current variants are more severe or spreadable than those seen during the pandemic. The spike in the Covid cases in Hong Kong and Singapore, two of Asia's biggest financial hubs, comes amid a similar trend across the region. People, particularly those at higher risk, have been advised to get booster shots. In China, too, a Covid wave may soon get as bad as it did last year, according to data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. With inputs from Bloomberg.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Health experts affirm slight increase in China's Covid-19 cases reflects normal viral fluctuation
There is no difference between this round of Covid-19 infection and previous ones, said an expert. PHOTO: AFP BEIJING – Health specialists in China reassured the public that Covid-19 remains under control, despite a slight increase in the percentage of positive cases among flu-like illnesses reported in outpatient clinics. During the monitoring period from March 31 to May 4, the Covid-19 positivity rate among influenza-like cases in outpatient and emergency departments increased from 7.5 per cent to 16.2 per cent, according to data released by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on May 14 . The data also shows that among hospitalised severe acute respiratory infection cases, the Covid-19 positivity rate rose from 3.3 per cent to 6.3 per cent. Between April 14 and May 4, Covid-19 surpassed rhinovirus to become the leading pathogen causing influenza-like illness visits in outpatient and emergency settings. Despite the slight increase in cases, doctors emphasise that this is simply a normal fluctuation, the publication Health Times reported on May 13 . Dr Cai Weiping, chief expert in the infectious disease centre at Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, said there is no difference between this round of Covid-19 infection and previous ones, with very few critically ill patients requiring hospitalisation. There are no critically ill Covid-19 patients now in the intensive care unit. Dr Cai added: 'There is no notable increase in fever clinic cases, but the proportion of positive Covid-19 cases has risen moderately. It's quite normal as 10 months have passed since the last Covid-19 peak, and people's antibody levels have had time to decline or disappear.' Dr Zhao Lei, chief physician of the department of infectious diseases at Wuhan Union Hospital of China, said it is normal for Covid-19 and similar respiratory diseases to have fluctuating transmission periods. However, he warned that people should still be cautious. 'Its symptoms are more severe than upper respiratory infections. It could be deadly, especially for the elderly and people with underlying diseases.' CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
