Latest news with #OmicronXDV
Gulf Insider
26-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
China's COVID Resurgence: 'Razor Blade Throat' and New Omicron XDV Variant Symptoms
China is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19, with patients reporting symptoms of severe, burning throat pain, experts say. Zhong Nanshan, one of China's leading pulmonologists and epidemiologists, said in an interview with China-based media on May 19 that the 'razor blade throat' symptom is more pronounced in this wave of resurgence, accompanied by more frequent coughing. 'Razor blade throat' is a term used in China to describe severe throat pain, akin to swallowing shattered glass or razor blades. Dr. Li Tongzeng, director of the Infectious Diseases Department at Beijing You'an Hospital, told Chinese media that the new wave of COVID-19, which began in March, is expected to peak in late May. According to Zhong, the dominant strain in this wave is the Omicron XDV variant, which is highly transmissible but relatively less virulent. Early symptoms include fever, headaches, fatigue, a burning throat, and severe coughing. He believes the epidemic is still in the 'climbing phase' and is expected to last six to eight weeks and subside by the end of June. Chinese netizens described their painful experiences with this new strain on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform closely monitored by the Chinese regime. Netizens shared comments such as: 'During lunch time a few days ago, a colleague was coughing so wildly I thought she choked on food. She said it was a lingering effect from this COVID wave. When I asked about her main symptom, she said 'razor blade throat.'' Other comments include, 'I've been hit with razor blade throat and feel completely drained.' 'Post-COVID razor blade throat is brutal—swollen, painful, and I can barely speak. Any quick remedies?' another one read. A female Beijing resident, infected for nearly 10 days, told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times: 'I had a fever, sore throat, yellow phlegm with blood streaks, nosebleeds, cough, sneezing, a runny nose, dizziness, and no energy. It's terrifying—I sneezed once and my nose started bleeding, which scared me to death. This round of COVID is too severe.' The Chinese regime has faced long-standing accusations of concealing epidemic data, particularly regarding death tolls. Although 'rising COVID-19 infections' trended on Weibo, Chinese media downplayed the epidemic, and experts noted significant missing or uninformative data from the authorities. Dr. Jonathan Liu, a professor at the Canadian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and director of Kang Mei TCM Clinic and skeptic of data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC), said official data for March reported that seven people died from COVID-19 that month. 'With normal epidemic rates, such a low figure is implausible. Canada, with a sparse population and good sanitation, reported 1,915 COVID deaths from August last year to May this year—over 200 per month. How could China, with its dense population, have only seven deaths monthly?' Liu told The Epoch Times. According to the CCDC, outpatient and emergency cases increased from 7.5 percent to 16.2 percent, while severe hospitalized respiratory infection cases rose from 3.3 percent to 6.3 percent. Xiaoxu Sean Lin, an assistant professor in the Biomedical Science Department at Feitian College in New York and a contributor to The Epoch Times, said that the CCDC has failed to report the most important data. He told The Epoch Times that the data provided by the CCDC only reflects the increasing positive rate of the new coronavirus, omitting four critical factors: the number of confirmed cases, hospitalization rates, severe case rates, and mortality rates. These are essential for understanding the true extent of the outbreak. He said that the Chinese regime has in the past concealed too much information. COVID-19 cases have also risen in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. On May 8, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection reported that over the past four weeks, key COVID monitoring indicators reached a one-year high, with 31 adult deaths. Singapore's health authorities noted on May 13 that cases from April 27 to May 3 surged by about 28 percent to more than 14,000, with a 30 percent increase in daily hospitalizations. The Taiwan CDC reported that cases have risen significantly since May, with a peak expected in June. Zhong said that from a pathogenic perspective, the COVID-19 virus may reduce its virulence to ensure its survival, but it is too early to judge whether it will become 'flu-like' in the future. He said that one thing is certain, however: The COVID-19 virus will not disappear. Luo Ya, Xiaohua Gu, and Grace Song contributed to this report. Also Read: China Doesn't Have The Economic Strength To Save South Africa
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19 resurgence: JN.1 variant drives surge in new cases in Southeast Asia—what's causing the sudden spike?
Is COVID-19 back in India? After almost five years, the virus is here again to haunt us. Currently, Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases. However, India is no exception; the country has reported 257 mild cases so far, as of May 20, 2025. According to PTI, India reported 257 fresh COVID-19 cases and is currently monitoring the situation minutely. However, most of the cases are mild in nature with no unusual severity. On the other hand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and even China have reported a spike in a fresh wave of COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. But what led to the sudden spike in cases in Asia? Reasons behind the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Asia According to Singapore's health ministry, from April 27 to May 3, 2025, the estimated number of COVID-19 cases suddenly jumped to 14,200 cases from 11,100 reported last week. Over the same time, the average daily count of COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 102 to 133; however, the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases reduced from three to two cases. A similar incident was noted in Thailand, where the cases spiked from 6,000 on May 17 to 33,030 on May 11, as per the Department of Disease Control. While something similar was noted in Hong Kong as well. Attributing what are the reasons that led to the sudden spike in cases in these countries, the Singapore health authorities mentioned linking it to the waning immunity among the population and the spread of new variants, such as LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are descendants of the JN.1 variant that emerged in 2024. Who is at risk of the JN.1 variant? The report went on to mention that as the new cases are being reported, it is an indication that protection from previous infections or vaccinations is gradually decreasing over time. 'Since the COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising in the country because of the JN.1 variant, it's crucial to adopt preventive measures to prevent the infection,' says Dr. Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Intensivist, Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist, and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai. 'Even though the infection is mild, follow these precautionary measures,' he adds. ⚠️ BREAKING: China 🇨🇳 Hit by New COVID Surge Driven by Omicron XDV and NB.1.8.1 Variants Hospitals Overwhelmed, Beijing Warns of Delayed Response Importance of masks and handwashing It is necessary to wear a mask when in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. 'Wash your hands with soap and water, and also sanitise them after touching any surface or object. Don't come in contact with individuals who are sick. Take the COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot without any further delay. Seek timely attention if you notice symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches, and sore throat,' advises Dr. Chafle. 'Masks should be made compulsory at heavily crowded public places,' he adds. However, according to Dr. Divya Joshi, consultant in infectious diseases at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, there is no need to hurry to buy any masks just yet. Indian health authorities say there is no cause for alarm as the COVID-19 situation seems to be well under control, and the circulating viral strains do not appear to be more virulent than before. You could still go wrong preparing yourself, especially if you have compromised immunity or pre-existing conditions. 'If you are in a higher risk category or are in a crowded venue or exhibit symptoms, wear a mask. Check with the doctor if you have a viral respiratory infection and take precautions appropriately if you are in a high-risk group or see a spike in cases,' she adds. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
