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Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid cases rising in Singapore, India: What's JN.1 variant driving the surge, its symptoms, severity, precautions and vaccine response
Covid Cases: JN.1 variant behind the current surge WHO monitoring the variant Live Events You Might Also Like: Another Covid wave coming? Hong Kong and Singapore report sharp jump in cases as virus detected in sewage water Covid JN.1 Symptoms and severity Covid Variants in circulation Covid JN.1 Vaccine effectiveness You Might Also Like: Shilpa Shirodkar tests COVID positive: What you need to know as cases begin to reappear Covid JN.1 precautions What about Covid in India? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As COVID-19 cases rise in parts of Asia, especially Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand, health authorities are monitoring the JN.1 variant. This variant, a sublineage of the Omicron strain, has become widespread in many regions. While there is no evidence yet of a fresh wave in India, health officials are watching the situation closely. However, over 200 cases have been detected in India so far. Actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who was a familiar face in popular 1990s films, also announced that she was tested positive for has reported a notable increase in infections, with an estimated 14,200 cases in the week ending May 3 — up from 11,100 the week before. Hospitalisations have risen by about 30%. In Hong Kong, officials say the virus has reached a "quite high" level. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said the positivity rate in respiratory samples is the highest in a year. The city also recorded 31 COVID-19 related deaths in that week, the most in the last 12 is a descendant of the BA.2.86 (Pirola) strain, which itself carried many mutations. It was first identified in late 2023 and has since spread to countries including the US, UK, India, Singapore and Hong sets JN.1 apart is a unique mutation in the spike protein — the part of the virus that binds to human cells. This may allow the virus to spread more easily and possibly escape immunity from vaccines or past World Health Organization has marked JN.1 as a "variant of interest." This classification means it is being closely observed but does not yet show signs of causing more severe disease than other infections have mostly been mild to moderate, with symptoms similar to earlier Omicron strains. These include sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue and a runny nose. In some cases, people may experience conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, or mild stomach its high transmissibility, there is no clear evidence that JN.1 leads to more serious illness. However, people at higher risk — such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, or chronic health issues — may face Singapore, health officials said two subvariants of JN.1 — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — are responsible for about two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. The increase may also be linked to waning immunity in the vaccines, especially the updated bivalent and monovalent mRNA ones, still provide protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death due to JN.1. They may be less effective at preventing mild or symptomless infection. Boosters updated for newer variants continue to play a key role in raising antibody are advised to follow basic precautions to reduce the risk of infection. These include wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms, and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Those with symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat should stay home, monitor their health, and seek medical advice if of May 19, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, up from 93 the previous Friday. Doctors in Mumbai have reported a small increase in mild cases, mainly among younger people. However, there is no indication of a major rise in agency PTI quoted official sources saying, 'The current coronavirus situation in the country was under control,' though authorities are 'keeping an eye on reports of a rise in Covid cases in Singapore and Hong Kong.'India continues to monitor respiratory infections through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Hospitals have been advised to track cases of influenza-like illnesses and severe respiratory infections.
News18
18-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Covid-19 Surges Again In Hong Kong, Singapore: What's Causing The Spike?
Last Updated: According to health authorities, the increase in infections are likely because of waning population level immunity to the infection and fewer elderly getting their booster shots. Covid Cases in Asia: After a period of relative calm, Covid-19 infections are once again surging in densely populated financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore. The surge in cases has signalled a resurgent wave across Asia. According to the health authorities, the increase in infections are likely because of waning population level immunity to the infection and fewer elderly getting their booster shots. Cases In Singapore 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. While factors such as waning population immunity could be contributing to the increase, Singapore's health ministry stated that there is currently 'no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible — or cause more severe cases — than during the pandemic." The health authority added 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. These newer vaccines are unavailable in India. Cases In Hong Kong In Hong Kong, the virus has surged to a 'quite high" level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city's Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive has reached its highest point in a year, accompanied by a rise in severe cases and fatalities. In the week ending May 3, 31 deaths were reported, marking a one-year high. Although the current wave hasn't hit the peaks seen in previous years, rising viral loads in sewage samples and increased Covid-related hospital visits and consultations point to widespread community transmission in the densely populated city of over 7 million. It has also seen an increase in Sars-CoV-2 viral load in sewage samples and an increase in respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19, increasing to 13.66% in the week ending on May 10 as compared to 6.21 per cent four weeks ago, reported Indian Express. Indian Experts Urge Caution, Not Panic While the likelihood of a severe wave in India is minimal, staying alert remains a wise precaution, virologists and health experts told News18. Indian experts advise that there is no cause for panic, as the population largely has immunity against severe Covid-19. However, mild infections can still occur, often resembling common cold or flu symptoms. Therefore, it remains important to follow time-tested precautions during periods of active virus circulation — especially protecting children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. 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!
News18
16-05-2025
- Health
- News18
New COVID-19 Wave Hits Hong Kong And Singapore: Symptoms To Watch Out For
Last Updated: New Covid Cases Today: Hong Kong and Singapore have recorded an increase in coronavirus cases. The new Covid wave has raised an alarm across the globe. New Covid Cases: Almost six years after the COVID-19 pandemic, a new wave of the virus has seemingly resurged in parts of Asia. As per reports, Hong Kong and Singapore have recorded an increase in coronavirus cases. The new coronavirus wave has raised an alarm across the globe. In Hong Kong, the virus has surged to a 'quite high" level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city's Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive has reached its highest point in a year, accompanied by a rise in severe cases and fatalities. In the week ending May 3, 31 deaths were reported, marking a one-year high. Although the current wave hasn't hit the peaks seen in previous years, rising viral loads in sewage samples and increased Covid-related hospital visits and consultations point to widespread community transmission in the densely populated city of over 7 million. Meanwhile, Singapore is experiencing its spike in cases. The Ministry of Health reported a 28 per cent increase in estimated Covid-19 cases, rising to 14,200 in the week ending May 3, alongside a nearly 30 per cent jump in daily hospitalisations. This marked the first formal update from the ministry in almost a year. Although the rise may be linked to waning immunity in the population, officials stated there is no current evidence that the circulating variants are more transmissible or severe than those previously seen during the pandemic. Sore Throat – Often one of the first and most noticeable symptoms. Runny or Stuffy Nose – Resembles symptoms of a common cold. Fatigue – A deep sense of tiredness or exhaustion, even without much exertion. Cough (Dry or Mild) – Usually not as severe as earlier waves, but persistent. Headache – Tension-like headaches are increasingly being reported. Muscle or Body Aches – General soreness or discomfort, especially in the back and limbs. Low-Grade Fever or Chills – Not as high as with earlier variants, but still present in some cases. First Published: May 16, 2025, 17:06 IST
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New Covid wave grips Hong Kong and Singapore: Key symptoms to watch out for
Hong Kong and Singapore are grappling with a fresh wave of Covid infections as the cases climb sharply, as per latest reports. The spike is being attributed to waning immunity from infections as newer variants of Omicron JN.1 are spreading fast, increasing hospitalization. Infection rates in Hong Kong have seen a sharp surge from 1.7 per cent in mid-March to 11.4 per cent now, and have exceeded the peak registered in August 2024, according to the data released by the Centre for Health Protection. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said Covid activity in Hong Kong is currently 'quite high'. A Bloomberg report has said the samples testing positive for the virus have also reached its highest level this year. As for Singapore, its first Covid infection update has been posted in about a year. A rise of 28 per cent has been registered with cases touching 14,200 for the week ending May 3, compared to the previous week. Daily hospitalisations in Singapore are also in rise. The health ministry however has said there is no sign that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previous variants. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Latest symptoms circulating in Singapore and Hong Kong In Singapore, cases of Covid variants LF.7 and NB.1.8 - offshoots of JN.1 strain are rising. Here are some signs and symptoms of the latest strain to watch out for as per an expert: Cough and sore throat "The symptom profile associated with these emerging strains has evolved, presenting both familiar and novel manifestations. Common symptoms continue to include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches," says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. Sore throat Dr Tayal says there has been an increased prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and persistent sore throats, often resembling common cold or allergy symptoms. Nausea and vomiting Elaborating the gastrointestinal symptoms of the latest strain, the expert says it includes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Brain fog Dr Tayal says some patients are reporting neurological symptoms like headaches and cognitive disturbances, commonly referred to as "brain fog." Notably, while the loss of taste or smell was a hallmark of earlier Covid-19 strains, its occurrence has diminished with these newer variants. Conjunctivitis In pediatric populations, particularly infants, unique symptoms such as non-purulent conjunctivitis (eye irritation) have been documented, underscoring the need for vigilance across all age groups, says the expert. "Despite the increased transmissibility of these variants, the severity of illness generally remains lower compared to earlier strains, especially among vaccinated individuals. Nonetheless, the potential for severe outcomes persists, particularly in vulnerable populations," says Dr Tayal. Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination, adherence to hygiene practices, and timely medical consultation upon symptom onset to mitigate the impact of these emerging variants. Hong Kongers must wear masks whenever in public, ordered authorities One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Another Covid wave coming? Hong Kong and Singapore report sharp jump in cases as virus detected in sewage water
Covid-19 is once again making headlines in Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore witnessing a sharp rise in infections, hospitalizations, and virus activity, challenging assumptions that the disease would slow in warmer months, Bloomberg reported. In Hong Kong, authorities are sounding the alarm. 'The virus' activity is quite high,' said Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Center for Health Protection. The city recorded its highest percentage of Covid-positive respiratory samples in a year, and severe cases, including deaths, also climbed to a year-high of 31 in the week ending May 3. Sewage surveillance, a reliable indicator of community spread, shows elevated viral loads, confirming that the coronavirus is circulating widely in the city of over 7 million. Singapore, meanwhile, is grappling with its own spike. For the first time in nearly a year, the health ministry released a formal Covid update after cases surged by 28% in one week to an estimated 14,200 infections. Hospitalizations have jumped by 30%, and the government has reminded high-risk residents to stay up to date on vaccinations. Though no new variant is to blame, health experts suggest waning immunity is allowing the virus to spread more easily. 'There's no evidence these strains are more severe,' Singapore's health ministry said, 'but they are still capable of disrupting lives and overwhelming healthcare systems.' The effects are already being felt beyond hospitals. In Taiwan, popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan tested positive and was forced to cancel his Kaohsiung concerts this week, disappointing thousands of fans. Elsewhere in Asia, similar patterns are emerging. China's CDC reported a doubling of Covid test positivity among hospital patients in the past five weeks. And in Thailand, post-Songkran gatherings have led to cluster outbreaks, according to the Department of Disease Control.
