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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Infectious variants, viral season behind Covid surge, say experts
Doctors and epidemiologists say that a combination of the emergence of mild but infectious variants, decreased testing and the onset of the viral season is behind the sudden rise in Covid-19 cases from just 35 on April 28 to over 3,700 within a month. This comes as India recorded 3,758 active Covid-19 cases on June 1, with five states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Karnataka — accounting for 76 per cent of the total infections in the country, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Among states, Kerala has the highest caseload of 1,400 — a rise of 970 cases over the last week. It is followed by Maharashtra at 485 cases, of which 50 were reported on Saturday. Delhi too saw an increase of 332 cases since May 26, with the national capital currently reporting 436 active Covid-19 cases. Similarly, Gujarat and Karnataka are also reporting high caseloads at 320 and 238 active cases respectively. The surge has been more pronounced in the last weeks of May 2025, with health ministry data suggesting that India saw a 272 per cent rise in cases within the six-day period from May 26 (1,010 cases) to June 1. Neha Rastogi Panda, consultant–infectious diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said that Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are seeing a notable uptick in infections from emerging subvariants of the JN.1 variant such as NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), India has already detected six cases of the LF.7 variant from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Similarly, two cases of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant have been detected from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu this month. While these subvariants may not be behind India's current surge, JN.1 still remains the dominant strain in the country. According to sources in the ministry, the surge is being led by the JN.1, XFG and LF 7.9 variants, which belong to the Omicron family and cause mild infections. 'A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses caused by seasonal influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus is being seen in some parts of the country,' sources in the ministry added. Panda added that while high transmission is also being observed, there is no rise in severe cases that may require hospitalisation. Another doctor added that a reason behind the rise in cases could be increased testing. 'Rising case numbers have led to an uptick in testing, which had reduced considerably over the year,' he added. Sabine Kapasi, advisor, public health and healthcare services, and strategist with the United Nations Covid-19 Task Force, said that while the numbers are not alarming, they do signal a need for vigilance. To counter the current surge, several states and union territories have issued advisories asking both government and private hospitals to ensure preparedness in terms of beds, oxygen, antibiotics and other drugs. State governments have also asked hospitals for daily reporting of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses to the Centre's Integrated Health Information Platform. Central health authorities have also swung into action, holding several review meetings to assess the situation in the country. According to reports, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has asked all states to submit an action taken report over preparedness plans by June 2.
India.com
2 days ago
- Health
- India.com
Corona cases jump 1300% in 9 days, 21 deaths in just..., active cases surge to...
File/Representational Corona cases: Amid the latest wave of Covid-19, the number of SARS-CoV2 infections in the country has risen to 3783, rising at a rate of 1372 % in the last nine days. As many as 511 new cases were recorded from the previous day, according to the latest update by the Health Ministry on Saturday. Meanwhile, 255 patients were discharged or migrated in the last 24 hours, indicating an improvement in recovery. According to the website of the Health Department, there were 257 cases in India on May 22. As per the data, Kerala has the highest number of cases at 1400. Maharashtra has 485 active cases and Delhi has 436 active cases. There have been 28 deaths due to corona since January. Out of these, 21 people have died in the last 2 days. Kerala with 1,147 cases is the worst-hit state, followed by Maharashtra (424), Delhi (294), and Gujarat (223). The highest number of deaths have been reported from Maharashtra (7), followed by Kerala (5), and Delhi (2). Meanwhile, 255 patients were discharged or migrated in the last 24 hours, indicating an improvement in recovery. The cumulative number of recovered cases since January 1 stands at 1,170. Kerala (72), Delhi (77), and Maharashtra (34) contributed the highest number of recoveries on the day. As per the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), set up under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — descendants of JN.1 Covid variant in the country –are responsible for the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in the country. Common symptoms associated with these variants include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion. Recently, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) assured the country that there is nothing to worry about as the infections are not severe. (With inputs from agencies)
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
LF.7.9, XFG sub-variants of SARS-CoV2 detected in Odisha as cases surge
BHUBANESWAR: Amid growing concern over a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, Odisha has detected two of the latest SARS-CoV2 sub-variants raising fresh public health alerts, especially during the monsoon that sees spurt in flu cases. Of the five samples sequenced so far in May, sources at the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) said, the state has recorded two cases of LF.7.9 cases and three cases of XFG, both descendants of Omicron, which had led to long Covid waves in 2020-22 killing millions of people. The two sub-lineages, now fuelling cases in the country, are specifically traced back to JN.1, the variant behind global waves in late 2023 and early 2024. Odisha is among the first few states which have detected the new strain XFG. While the LF.7 is now under observation along with two others - NB.1.9.1 and PL.8.1 by the WHO as variants-under-monitoring, the studies are underway to determine the transmissibility and potential impact of XFG. 'Though these variants do not appear to be causing severe disease so far, they are marked by higher transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. Their spike protein mutations may enhance their ability to bind to human lung cells. But vaccine-induced protection against symptomatic and severe disease will remain effective,' a scientist associated with the genome sequencing told TNIE.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Do you need vaccine boosters again? Doctors weigh in amid rising Covid cases
With a rise in Covid-19 cases in India and active infections recorded at 1,010 as of May 26, doctors are urging people not to panic but to remain alert and adopt simple preventive surge is being primarily reported from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, though the numbers remain far lower than during previous has recorded 335 new infections in the past week, pushing its active caseload to 430, the highest in the country. Maharashtra follows with 210 active cases and Delhi with 104, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Doctors on the ground say most cases are mild, with very few requiring hospitalisation. However, they recommend basic Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially for those experiencing symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups."We are seeing Covid patients in OPD (out-patient department) but none of them are serious as of now. It's just like a mild viral infection,' said Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi."People should stay updated, avoid panic, and follow basic hygiene. If you have symptoms like cough, sore throat, or flu, stay at home and consider getting tested," Dr. Mittal expert advised precautionary practices such as wearing masks in crowded places, hand hygiene, especially for symptomatic individuals remain crucial in limiting the spread. Doctors on the ground say most cases are mild, with very few requiring hospitalisation. (Photo: PTI) advertisementWhile the current wave is not marked by severe disease or hospital overload, concern has risen due to the detection of new variants. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a central Covid-19 monitoring agency, two new sub-variants -- NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 -- have been variants have also been detected in Covid-19 cases reported from countries like China and Singapore, and more recently, in the United from the JN.1 lineage, these variants are more transmissible but are currently associated with only mild a recent update by the World Health Organisation, these variants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring, meaning they are being closely observed but haven't shown traits of greater severity or vaccine resistance yet. Originating from the JN.1 lineage, these variants are more transmissible but are currently associated with only mild infections. () Despite this, experts are advising high-risk individuals such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to consider booster vaccinations if their last dose was over six months doses enhance waning immunity and are crucial for vulnerable populations. Most cases are mild and manageable at home, but we must remain vigilant to prevent burdening the healthcare system,' said Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, head pulmonologist at Sarvodaya Hospital, also noted a parallel rise in seasonal illnesses like flu and dengue, which in many clinics are outnumbering Covid-19 cases. However, the high transmissibility of new Covid variants still poses a risk to vulnerable Chirag Tandon, director, department of internal medicine, Sharda Care Healthcity, warned that the new variants might bypass existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations."The current variant spreads fast, stays longer, and may evade some vaccine-induced immunity, but the symptoms are mostly mild. Booster shots can help reduce the chances of severe illness,' said Dr Tandon. Booster doses enhance waning immunity and are crucial for vulnerable populations. (Photo: Reuters) Patients at his facility are presenting with symptoms like sore throat, mild fever, abdominal discomfort, and headaches that don't always align with classic Covid symptoms. However, he stressed that this is not a cause for alarm, as the cases are generally stable and managed in OPD Mittal said that although there are no advisories on precautionary booster dose, one should immediately visit a doctor when a person experiences breathing problems."Don't panic. Patients who have serious illness should also contact their doctor if they have symptoms like sore throat and upper respiratory infection. They should also not go out of the house. Besides this, practice basic hand hygiene. If you have touched any surface anywhere, then avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes and keep sanitising your hands," he Watch
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health dept calls for vigilance, not panic, over new Covid-19 variants
Patna: Additional chief secretary of the state's health department, Pratyaya Amrit, on Monday appealed to the people not to panic over the emergence of new Covid-19 variants but to remain vigilant and informed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He was addressing a high-level review meeting at the Vikas Bhawan auditorium to assess the current status of Covid-19 in the state and evaluate preparedness measures. The meeting reviewed the infection's present situation, availability of healthcare facilities, testing and treatment arrangements and the supply of essential resources, including medicines and oxygen. Amrit asked all civil surgeons and medical college superintendents to ensure the early identification of suspected cases, active surveillance and prompt testing. He said all districts must be prepared for any eventuality. The department is ensuring the availability of adequate testing kits, masks, medicines, oxygen and other essential medical supplies in all districts. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining transparency, effective coordination, and accountability in the delivery of health services, he said. Amrit asked the officials concerned to increase public awareness and strengthen the regular monitoring mechanisms. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), two new sub-variants — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — have been detected in India. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised them as "variants under monitoring" rather than variants of concern. Civil surgeons from all districts, principals and superintendents of govt medical colleges, and representatives from AIIMS, IGIMS, RMRI and ESIC Bihta participated in the meeting via videoconferencing.
