Latest news with #OmicronJN1
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health minister emphasizes need for vigilance as Covid-19 cases rise among elderly and vulnerable in Kerala
T'puram: Health minister Veena George emphasised the need for special attention as Covid-19 becomes severe among the elderly and those with other underlying conditions. Masks should be worn in public and during travel, she added. At present, there are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people under treatment, most of whom have other illnesses. Ernakulam district reported 431 cases, Kottayam 426 cases, and Thiruvananthapuram 365 cases. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid-19 tests for symptomatic individuals and instructions were given to ensure oxygen availability, the minister said. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify Covid-19 variants. The Omicron JN1 variants LF7 and XFG, prevalent in South-East Asian countries, are mostly found in Kerala. Although these variants are not highly severe, they have a high transmission rate, George said. The state-level rapid response team (RRT) met on Tuesday to assess the situation. The meeting observed that patients should not be unnecessarily referred to private hospitals due to Covid-19. Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Individuals with symptoms like cold, sore throat, cough and breathing difficulties must wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned regularly with soap or sanitiser. With intermittent rains continuing, there is a possibility of an increase in dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne diseases in the state, so caution is necessary. Continuous vigilance is required against leptospirosis. Anyone who came into contact with contaminated water should take the leptospirosis preventive pill doxycycline as per the health workers' instructions. Special attention should be given to those involved in rescue operations.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘No need to fear Covid spread, precaution is key'
T'puram: Indian Medical Association stated that there is no need for unnecessary concern about the ongoing Covid spread, which has been causing concern in the health sector for the past few days. The variants currently emerging with relatively mild symptoms are Omicron JN1 and LF1. These variants typically cause symptoms that last only a few days. In our largely vaccinated community, the likelihood of a severe outbreak is minimal. However, people with compromised immunity, such as those with severe cancer, kidney diseases, or heart conditions, should exercise maximum caution, said IMA state president Dr K A Sreevilasan. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing these symptoms from other infectious diseases and the higher potential for spread, precautions are primarily necessary. Social distancing, mask usage and use of disinfectants can significantly reduce the risk of infection. IMA urged govt to increase mask usage in healthcare centres and hospitals. Apart from this, they urged implementation of visitor restrictions in hospitals. Those with fever should avoid contact with others, said IMA state secretary Dr Shashidharan.
United News of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
COVID-19 death cases rise to 8 in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 (UNI) Kerala's COVID death cases rose to 8, and with this the cumulative death toll touches 72,147 since the pandemic began in 2020. Kerala's COVID-19 cases rose to 1,435 with the new 35 cases tested positive on Monday evening. As COVID cases are being reported in large numbers in South East Asian countries, there is a possibility of further increase in COVID in Kerala, sources said on Tuesday. The Omicron JN1 variants LF7 and NB1.8, currently spreading in those countries, have a high transmission rate. Those with symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear masks. It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places while traveling. In view of the rising cases, the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) is reviewing the general situation in Kerala. Instructions have been given to conduct COVID tests for those with symptoms in the state. Instructions were also given to health centres to ensure RTPCR kits and other safety equipment. UNI DS GNK
New Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Kerala Health Minister issues directives to prevent Covid spread in relief camps
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has directed officials to take measures to prevent the spread of Covid in relief camps, following a rise in cases. She confirmed the presence of the Omicron JN1 variant LF7 in the state, emphasising that while the variant is less severe, it remains highly contagious. 'Though this variant is less severe, we must remain cautious as it has the potential to spread quickly. Precaution is key to preventing Covid,' she said. To minimise risk, the minister advised people to wear masks as it is the most effective method of prevention. She also urged people to wash hands regularly with soap and use sanitizers frequently.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala reports 430 active Covid-19 cases, highest in India
Kerala reported 335 fresh Covid-19 infections, pushing the total active caseload in the state to 430. Kerala, along with Maharashtra and Delhi, recorded the highest number of new cases in the country over the past week, Health Minister Veena George urged people to remain vigilant while reporting on the active cases in the state. She cited rising cases in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, where Omicron JN1 sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8, known for their higher transmission rates, were driving the Wednesday, George told local media that a meeting of the state's Rapid Response Team was held to discuss the measures to curb the spike in cases. While addressing the media, she revealed that Kottayam district, at that time, led with 57 active Covid cases, with Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram close behind with 34 and 30 active cases respectively. 'Covid cases are being reported in large numbers in South East Asian countries and there is a possibility of an increase in Covid in Kerala as well,' George said. 'While the severity is not high, self-defence is important.'A high-level meeting of the state Rapid Response Team was held under her leadership last week. Following the review, it was decided that testing would be ramped up for symptomatic individuals, RTPCR kits and safety equipment would be stocked up at hospitals, and masks would be made mandatory inside hospitals. Health workers are now required to wear masks at all Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its recent report revealed that there were 1,009 active cases of Covid in India, with a surge of cases also being reported from Maharashtra and Delhi. Meanwhile, 34 new cases were reported from Karnataka, four in Andhra Pradesh, three in Tamil Nadu and one in InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala#Covid-19
