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Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid cases likely to rise with random testing, but virus mild, no cause for panic: Experts
1 2 Nagpur: As Maharashtra prepares to resume random Covid-19 testing, health experts have cautioned that the number of detected cases may increase, but they firmly reiterated that there is no need to panic. The virus strain currently in circulation is mild, and no deaths have been reported in the state so far in 2025. The move comes amid rising anxiety due to increasing cases in Mumbai and surrounding areas. However, experts say that the numbers are expected to rise slightly due to increased surveillance, not because of any dangerous new variant. "The virus strain is mild and manageable. There is no mortality reported till now. Precautionary measures and preparedness are important, but there is absolutely no need to panic," said Dr Sunil Khaparde, senior public health specialist and former team leader for Covid-19 surveillance in Maharashtra and part of the central task force of the ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW). Backing this, Dr Nitin Shinde, senior infectious disease specialist from Nagpur, emphasised the strength of India's natural defence against Covid. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Himalayan salt hack catches on for weight loss in the U.S Lipozem Supplement Undo "The natural immunity developed in India is strong enough. The current virus is not causing severe disease at all. People should not worry," Dr Shinde said. By May 22, Maharashtra had conducted 6,477 Covid tests, out of which 165 people tested positive. A sharp rise was recorded on May 22, when 33 patients tested positive. Over 600 samples were tested from Nagpur in various private and public labs between January and May 2025. "Covid testing is now part of standard infectious disease panels. There is nothing alarming about it. All Covid positive patients reported in Nagpur this year fully recovered, and no deaths were reported," said Dr Rajesh Deokate, pathologist. Health officials have also appealed to citizens to follow basic hygiene protocols, mask up in crowded places, and test early in case of symptoms like cough, fever, or body ache. On Thursday, Mumbai reported 22 cases, Pune 5, Thane 3, Pimpri Chinchwad 2, and Latur 1. Nagpur has reported just 8 cases so far in 2025, including January 1, February 0, March 1, April 2, and May 4.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
High mosquito density may lead to dengue outbreak, say experts
Nagpur: Public health experts warn that the high mosquito density in the city could trigger a major dengue outbreak in the coming weeks, especially since monsoon is expected to arrive as early as the first week of June. According to a survey conducted by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in March this year, mosquito density in Nagpur soared to an average house index of 49.76%, far above the permissible limit of 10%. Experts say the high density could set the stage for a dengue surge once the rains begin. "Last year, chikungunya overwhelmed the city as soon as the monsoon arrived and dengue took a back seat. With many people having developed immunity to chikungunya, dengue could dominate this year," said infectious disease specialist Dr Nitin Shinde. Dengue cases have seen a dramatic increase in the city in the last few years, except for a dip in 2024, likely due to the Chikungunya wave. "With mosquito density nearing 50%, it's not a question of whether dengue cases will rise — but when," said epidemiologist Dr Anand Thatte. The theme of this year's National Dengue Day, which is observed on May 16, is 'Act Early, Prevent Dengue : Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living'. It calls upon citizens to take proactive measures before the rains arrive. "The goal is to stop mosquito breeding in its tracks and prevent dengue from gaining a foothold," said Dr Vinod Chauhan, district malaria officer of Gondia, which has seen a high number of cases in the past. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Expertinspector Learn More Undo "We need to treat this as a public health emergency in the making," said Dr Manish Jadhav, a physician. "We have just 15 days before the rains start — this is our window to act. Households, schools, offices, and neighbourhoods must come together to eliminate breeding grounds. If we delay this, we could see cases like in 2023 or worse," he said. Doctors advised NMC to intensify fogging and anti-larval drives across high-risk areas. However, community health experts insist that community participation remains the key to prevention. "Eliminating mosquito breeding sites like stagnant water in coolers, flowerpots, broken vessels, and discarded tyres is the responsibility of common people, and not NMC," said Dr Sanjay Deshpande. # STINGING STATS Dengue Cases in Nagpur city 2019 – 626 2020 – 107 (Covid year) 2021 – 1,254 2022 – 2,470 2023 – 3,164 2024* – 206 2025** – 4 cases (* high Chikungunya prevalence. **Monsoon yet to arrive) Doctors' Prescription - Eliminate mosquito breeding sites - Maintain hygienic surroundings - Use mosquito repellents and nets - Report symptoms early, such as high fever and joint pain
