Latest news with #IndianSARS-CoV-2GenomicsConsortium
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
What Is Driving A Surge In Covid Cases In India? Active Cases Rise To 7,121
India has seen an uptick in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks. As of Thursday morning, 7,121 active Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country. Amid the ongoing resurgence, 6 Covid-related deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours. Kerala remains the most affected state with 2,223 active cases, followed by Gujarat (1,223), Delhi (757), West Bengal (747), and Maharashtra (615). Covid-19 in India: Variants in circulation Earlier, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said that Omicron Sub-variants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB. 1.8.1 are currently circulating in India. As of June 9, 163 cases of the new Covid variant XFG were detected across India, as per Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data. While Maharashtra reported the highest number of XFG cases with 89 infections, a few cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. About XFG variant XFG recombinant sub-variant which belongs to the Omicron family. It originated from two variants- LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. According to The Lancet journal, the XFG variant survives and spreads easily as it can evade the body's natural defences easily. However, it does not cause severe illness. It was first detected in Canada. The NB.1.8.1 variant The main coronavirus variant causing a resurgence in covid cases is the NB.1.8.1 variant. It is spreading widely across Asian countries. A few cases have been detected in the US and UK. It is now the dominant variant in China and Hong Kong. NB.1.8.1 variant is also a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant. It was first detected in the US between late March and early April among international travellers. It does not cause severe illness however, it is highly transmissible. Symptoms The symptoms of both XFG and NB.1.8.1 variants are quite similar to those of other omicron variants. Infected individuals have reported mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, body aches, fatigue, and runny nose. LF.7 and JN.1 are also responsible for some of the cases in India. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Necessary preparations made for oxygen plants and hospitals in state : Uttar Pradesh Dy CM Brajesh Pathak on steps taken to combat Covid-19
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday stated that full arrangements had been made to handle the COVID-19 cases in the state. He further stated that reviews had been conducted and that all necessary preparations had been made for oxygen plants and hospitals in the state. "There is no need to panic. Experts have said that, for now, it is limited to cold and fever. Only serious patients and the elderly need to be cautious. The government has made full arrangements. Reviews are being conducted at every level, and in addition, we have ensured all necessary preparations in oxygen plants and hospitals," Pathak told ANI. Earlier on May 28, the UP government issued an order to keep more than 2800 employees who worked during the previous COVID time in permanent service. Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak informed that more than 2200 people have been accommodated, and an order was issued to the government hospitals to accommodate them on priority. "The government has issued an order to keep more than 2800 employees who worked during the time of COVID permanently in service. More than 2200 people have already been accommodated. For the remaining, a government order was issued yesterday to accommodate them on priority in all our hospitals", Brajesh Pathak told ANI. This comes after a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases has been recorded in the country. As of June 10, India reported 6,815 active COVID-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new COVID-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Necessary preparations made for oxygen plants and hospitals in state : Uttar Pradesh Dy CM Brajesh Pathak on steps taken to combat Covid-19
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 11 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday stated that full arrangements had been made to handle the COVID-19 cases in the state. He further stated that reviews had been conducted and that all necessary preparations had been made for oxygen plants and hospitals in the state. 'There is no need to panic. Experts have said that, for now, it is limited to cold and fever. Only serious patients and the elderly need to be cautious. The government has made full arrangements. Reviews are being conducted at every level, and in addition, we have ensured all necessary preparations in oxygen plants and hospitals,' Pathak told ANI. Earlier on May 28, the UP government issued an order to keep more than 2800 employees who worked during the previous COVID time in permanent service. Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak informed that more than 2200 people have been accommodated, and an order was issued to the government hospitals to accommodate them on priority. 'The government has issued an order to keep more than 2800 employees who worked during the time of COVID permanently in service. More than 2200 people have already been accommodated. For the remaining, a government order was issued yesterday to accommodate them on priority in all our hospitals', Brajesh Pathak told ANI. This comes after a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases has been recorded in the country. As of June 10, India reported 6,815 active COVID-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new COVID-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat. (ANI)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid more severe among elderly: Kerala Health Minister advocates special care as cases increase
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases. She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are "not as severe" but have a high potential for spreading the disease. "Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease," the minister said. There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram. "There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram," the ministry said. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability. This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid. "Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time," the minister added. As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kerala health minister says Covid more severe among elderly, suggests special care
Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases. She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are "not as severe" but have a high potential for spreading the disease. "Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease," the minister said. There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram. "There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram," the ministry said. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability. Also read: New Covid-19 clusters in urban India raise alarms: Doctor reveals 7 categories of people at higher coronavirus risk This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid. "Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time," the minister added. As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country. Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat.
