Latest news with #Omicron-related
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
60-year-old woman with Covid dies in Delhi; second death reported in Capital amid surge in cases
Delhi has reported one death due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry's COVID-19 dashboard on Saturday. This is the second fatality reported in the Capital due to COVID-19 this year. Authorities identified the deceased as a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction post-abdominal surgery in whom Covid-19 was detected. As per the dashboard, a total of 294 fresh cases have been reported in Delhi as of May 30, with 56 new patients on Friday. The latest surge in cases in Delhi and other parts of the country comes after a spike was reported in Asian countries. According to reports, the rise is mainly due to the spread of Omicron-related variants of the coronavirus. The sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) have been confirmed by health authorities in these countries. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as the 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. The strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But so far, its symptoms do not differ much from those associated with the Omicron variant. The fresh cases in India have mostly been reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. However, most cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality. It is important to wear a mask when going to crowded places or if you have symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or a fever. According to the 2023 AIIMS/ ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force guidelines, people with mild symptoms should isolate at home. At home, you should maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, and practice good hand hygiene. Mild cases can usually be managed with rest, fluids, and medicines for symptom relief. Stay hydrated, monitor your temperature, and do not use antibiotics unless there is a clear sign of a bacterial infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you have trouble breathing, your oxygen level drops to 93 per cent or lower, or if you have a high fever or severe cough lasting for longer than five days. Those older than 60, or with heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, tuberculosis, chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease, or obesity, or those who are unvaccinated should be extra cautious.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Delhi reports 104 active Covid-19 cases, 99 in a week
Delhi reported 104 active cases of COVID-19, out of which 99 have been reported since May 19 and 24 patients were discharged or recovered, according to the state dashboard. According to the central COVID-19 dashboard, there are 1,009 active cases across the country, including those in Kerala with 430 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209 cases, and Delhi with 104. The cases in Delhi and other parts of the country come after a spike in coronavirus disease cases was reported in Asian countries. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said only those patients should be tested in whom there is an indication, not in every case. 'Obviously, the numbers are rising, but we should not press the panic button. If we look at other viral cases, 104 in a week is a minuscule number. Because the numbers are rising, we have to be watchful. Now, we can start investigating a bit more if there is a reason,' he said. According to reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the latest rise in the number of COVID-29 cases. The sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) have been confirmed by health authorities in these countries. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. Last Friday, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said 23 COVID-19 cases were reported from private labs, adding hospitals are prepared to tackle any surge in cases. 'We have had a conversation with medical superintendents regarding preparations. Eight of our senior officials are visiting hospitals daily. Our hospitals are prepared with oxygen and oximeters,' he said. The Delhi health department also issued an order last week to all government and private hospitals to ensure adequate beds, and a supply of oxygen, antibiotics, and other drugs and vaccines. According to the health department, hospitals have been told to ensure that equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP machines, and oxygen concentrators are functional. 'Refresher training of dedicated staff may be conducted. Report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities (OPD/IPD) daily on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Confirmed influenza and COVID-19 cases may also be reported on IHIP,' the advisory added. The order, issued by the special secretary, instructed daily reporting of all parameters on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal, and adequate testing as per COVID-19 testing guidelines. 'Ensure Covid-19 testing of 5% ILI cases & 100% SARI cases. ICMR guidelines for testing are attached. Send all positive COVID-19 samples for whole genome sequencing to the Lok Nayak Hospital to enable timely detection of new variants, if any,' said the advisory.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
4 Covid cases reported in Ghaziabad; no reason for concern, says official
At least four people are infected with Covid-19 in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, officials said on Friday, adding that there was no reason for concern. 'Three of them are in isolation at their homes, while one is currently admitted at Yashoda Hospital in Ghaziabad's Kaushambi,' an official statement issued by the office of Akhilesh Mohan, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Ghaziabad, said. 'One of those admitted is an 18-year-old woman, who is a resident of Brijvihar in Ghaziabad. She is suffering from symptoms of cough, cold and fever. She tested Covid positive at Yashoda Hospital, Kaushambi, on May 18 and is currently admitted there,' Mohan added. Talking to The Indian Express, Mohan said there was no reason to panic. 'It is like the flu. It is completely normal, and people need not worry about it. There is no reason for panic,' he said. 'These are just strains of Covid. The weather is changing; this is similar to a normal flu. The only precaution that people need to take is to use a mask in case they are suffering from cough and cold,' he added. The CMO said that the other two are a 71-year-old and a 64-year-old couple, who had returned to Ghaziabad from Bengaluru on May 13. 'On May 16, they had symptoms of fever and cough. On the advice of the doctor, they tested for Covid, and it was positive. Both of them are at home at present and are healthy,' he said. 'A 37-year-old Vaishali resident was also suffering from fever and cold for the last four to five days. She tested positive but is fine now,' Mohan added. Covid-19 cases are being reported in several parts of the country after a similar spike was reported in Asian countries. As per reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the rise in Covid cases.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Delhi reports 23 Covid cases; health minister and doctors say no need to panic
Delhi has reported 23 active cases of Covid-19 as of May 22, confirmed Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh on Friday. Singh said all patients are stable. 'Two to three patients are admitted to private hospitals while the others are being monitored… We will see if these patients are from Delhi or from outside Delhi. There is no need to panic because the strain is similar to influenza,' he said. The minister said hospitals are prepared to tackle any surge in cases. 'We have had a conversation with medical superintendents regarding preparations. Eight of our senior officials are visiting hospitals daily. Our hospitals are prepared with oxygen and oximeters,' he said. According to health department officials, an advisory will also be issued soon. The cases in Delhi, and other parts of the country, come after a spike was reported in Asian countries. According to reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the rise. The sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) have been confirmed by health authorities in these countries. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. 'This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But so far, it does not differ much from symptoms associated with Omicron,' said Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. India has seen fresh cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with most cases being reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, most cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality. According to Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Saket, there is no need to panic as the strain is not leading to a spike in hospitalisations or episodes of pneumonia. 'It's a new strain, but it is behaving like a seasonal flu. There is nothing to worry about. Patients with comorbid conditions and those who are immunocompromised need to remain cautious,' he said. Patients have sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Some may have nausea or conjunctivitis, like in earlier waves, said doctors. Dr Tickoo said even testing has not been required for far because patients are not showing any severe symptoms. Neighbouring Gurgaon and Faridabad have also reported cases. Two cases of Covid have been detected in Gurgaon, following which the district chief medical officer has assured the public that there is no cause for concern as yet. The cases involve a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman who returned from Mumbai. 'Both cases have very mild symptoms and are undergoing home isolation. There is no need to panic. It is an endemic (disease) now. Many people with symptoms are likely to test positive,' Dr Alka Singh told media persons on Thursday. One resident of Faridabad – a 28-year-old security guard – also tested positive at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital while undergoing treatment for symptoms, sources said.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid cases rising again: Is a vaccine booster dose needed? AIIMS doctor answers
Amid concerns over reports of mild Covid-19 cases emerging in some parts of India, questions have been arising over whether there is a need for a booster shot against the novel coronavirus, which was first reported in December 2019. A doctor and professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said that vaccine booster doses may be crucial in preventing infection among the elderly and medically vulnerable sections of the population. Also read | Covid in India: These states are reporting rise in cases Dr Ranjan, as quoted in a News18 report, stressed the need for booster doses targeting Omicron-related variants of the virus as they are critical in reducing hospitalisation, severe disease and death. He also noted that boosters may be less effective in preventing mild or asymptomatic infections. The AIIMS professor said that booster doses may not be necessary immediately, but those who have not received it over a year ago should be encouraged to take one to boost waning immunity. 'Updated monovalent vaccines targeting JN.1 or closely related strains are expected to offer protection against severe disease caused by LF.7 and NB.1.8,' the report quoted the doctor. Southeast Asian countries and China have reported new infections from the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants of the virus. The professor's analysis of the emerging Covid-19 pattern in Singapore showed that ICU admissions slightly declined, and most new infections were not severe. Dr Ranjan noted that India's situation remains stable, as only a small number of infections were reported as of mid-May. He pointed out that the recent surge in infections was concentrated in a few states, where most infections were mild and recovered without the need for hospitalisation. Also read | Nine-month-old tests positive for Covid-19 in Bengaluru He urged the public to avoid panic and maintain readiness by being aware of the disease's mild symptoms. 'Focus on educating the public about mild symptoms, the effectiveness of vaccines, and the importance of protecting vulnerable groups. Use trusted channels to counter misinformation,' Ranjan added. On Friday, Haryana reported four new covid cases, which were reported to be mild, and the concerned individuals have been kept under home observation with medical supervision. Health minister Arti Singh Rao assured that there is no need for panic and added that the state government is closely monitoring the situation.
