Latest news with #SARS-CoV-2
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
COVID-19 resurgence: India notices five-fold increase in cases; experts warn of high transmissibility of new variant NB.1.8.1
COVID-19 cases are seeing an upward spiral in India after spreading in Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and even China. According to the Union Health Ministry, India has recorded about 2,710 active cases, with 1,170 patients discharged. With this, India notices a five-fold increase in cases, surpassing the 1,000 mark in the week ending May 25. So far, the country has reported seven deaths across multiple states, with comorbidities playing a significant role in most of the deaths. The rise in the number of fresh cases has raised concerns that COVID-19 is making a comeback. Moreover, the current spread of COVID-19 is triggered by a new variant called NB.1.8.1, which first emerged in China and is now spreading across the United States. India COVID-19 Update (30 May 2025) Is NB.1.8.1 a new variant of COVID-19 more dangerous than the old ones? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with rising proportions across the globe, while LP.8.1 is seeing a decline in cases. 'The LF.7 subvariant, another Omicron lineage, has turned up in many areas, including Europe and Asia. Like NB.1.8.1, LF.7 is more transmissible, and this potentially could drive a wave of cases if not kept under strict control,' says Dr. Bhumesh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida. 'Even with its quick spread, there is no significant evidence that LF.7 produces more severe illness than previous Omicron variants,' he adds. However, given its capacity to partially circumvent immune protection, preliminary research and expert analysis indicate that NB.1.8.1 may present a new difficulty in controlling the spread of COVID-19. NB.1.8.1. Increased transmissibility is a concern NB.1.8.1 is causing concern due to its enhanced susceptibility to infection and ability to evade the immune system. 'The Omicron variant NB.1.8.1 subvariant has been a cause of concern because it is more transmissible. The strain has been reported in numerous countries, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia, with a surge in cases and hospitalisations,' warns Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida. Dr. Srivastava says, 'Although the NB.1.8.1 spreads better, it does not appear to cause more severe disease compared to other strains. But its susceptibility to evading immunity from past infection or immunisation makes it particularly concerning to vulnerable populations.' Is it time to mask up again? Let's understand Public health officials are urging individuals, especially those at higher risk, to keep current on their vaccinations to avoid the spread and potential damage of this strain. 'Masking is increasing again because of the transmissibility of the NB.1.8.1 Omicron subvariant, which spreads rapidly and infects despite previous immunity,' advises Dr. Srivastava. "While not more sickening, its high transmissibility is filling hospitals, especially with those who are vulnerable," says Dr. Srivastava. Public health experts are calling for renewed vigilance, and masking provides an easy, effective barrier. 'Wearing masks in places that are congested or high-risk contributes to decreasing transmission and shields individuals who are most vulnerable, as vaccines still provide critical protection,' he adds. However, according to Dr. Bhumesh, 'The possible surge in cases becomes a burden on the health care systems, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance, following public health recommendations, and the upkeep of immunisation programmes to stem the tide of this subvariant.' To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
India.com
8 hours ago
- Health
- India.com
Coronavirus cases update: Highly contagious COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 spreads to US after China...; know its symptoms
File/Representational India's Covid-19 tally has reached 2,710 active cases, with 1,170 patients discharged, as per the Union Health Ministry. The country reported seven deaths across multiple states, with comorbidities playing a significant role in most cases, according to state-wise data. According to the Health Ministry, in Delhi, one death was reported–a 60-year-old female with acute intestinal obstruction post-laparotomy, where Covid-19 was an incidental finding. While COVID-19 has once again made an entry into its headlines, a new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1, which first emerged in China, is now spreading across the United States. Cases have been detected in states including New York, California, Washington, and Virginia. While it initially spread through international travelers, the variant is now spreading within local communities as well. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with increasing proportions globally, while LP.8.1 is starting to decline. Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level. However, hospital admissions have risen in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively monitoring the situation. According to a TIME report, information from GISAID, a global platform that tracks the genetic makeup of major disease-causing viruses, indicates that the earliest detected cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant emerged in late April. These cases were identified in travelers from countries including China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. NB.1.8.1 has become the leading COVID-19 variant in China, where it is linked to a noticeable rise in emergency room visits and hospital admissions. According to the TIME report, the symptoms of NB.1.8.1 closely resemble those of previous COVID-19 variants, including sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue. So far, reports from countries where the variant has emerged suggest it doesn't cause more severe illness. However, its genetic makeup includes mutations that enhance its ability to infect human cells, potentially making it more transmissible. According to a statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 is driving a rise in infections in China. Recently, a few cases were also detected in the United States among international travelers who tested positive at airports. The World Health Organization has classified this strain as a 'variant under monitoring.' The CDC runs a surveillance program at select U.S. airports where consenting travelers are randomly tested for COVID-19. This initiative first detected the NB.1.8.1 variant in late March. Since then, cases have emerged in several states, including California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. However, the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. remains low, and the variant has not yet appeared on the CDC's official variant tracking dashboard.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health ministry seeks report on preparedness for Covid-19 by June 2
New Delhi: As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the union health ministry has asked several states and union territories, including Delhi, to put preventive measures in place. As of May 28, India recorded 1,621 active cases with Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accounting for over 90% of total active infections. In a letter dated May 29 to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses caused by various pathogens, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. "A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) due to SARS-CoV-2 is being seen in some parts of the country," the letter mentioned. She stated that most infections were mild, with current Omicron variants JN 1, XFG, and LF 7.9 causing typical symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat that resolve naturally. The letter instructed states and UTs to assess hospital readiness at district and sub-district levels, including medical colleges, tertiary care centres and other inpatient healthcare facilities. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostics, essential drugs, PPEs, isolation facilities, oxygen supply, critical care beds and ventilator-supported beds. Facilities must conduct mock drills to verify oxygen preparedness. An action taken report has to be shared by June 2. The ministry emphasised following testing protocols as per operational guidelines: testing all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. SARI-positive samples have to be forwarded to regional VRDL centres for whole genomic sequencing. District Surveillance Units must monitor ILI/SARI trends, track SARI proportions among cases, and maintain regular data entry on the portal concerned. Through public health education, proper hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including appropriate cough etiquette and avoiding spitting in public, have to be promoted. Vulnerable groups, including elderly and immunocompromised individuals, should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or wear face masks in such environments. Also, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop serious symptoms like breathing difficulties or chest pain.
India Today
a day ago
- Health
- India Today
The real toll of Covid in India
Covid-19 is back in the news because of a rise in the number of persons testing positive in different states of India as well as the release of government data on deaths that occurred in 2021, when the country was devastated by the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The recent spike in cases due to the less virulent JN.1 and BA.2 sub-lineages of Omicron is not a cause for panic, as no deaths have been reported. However, there is concern about the underestimation of Covid-related deaths in earlier official reports. Questions have been raised about why previous estimates were low and the marked interstate variations in the gap between reported Covid deaths and Covid-attributable excess deaths in 2021.
Dublin Live
a day ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Fast-spreading new Covid variant with unusual symptoms confirmed in Ireland
A fresh Covid variant sporting atypical signs has been spotted in Ireland, with experts flagging its swift global transmission. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre of Ireland has identified 14 instances of the new strain, dubbed NB. 1.8.1, within the past five weeks. Although the figures in Ireland remain modest, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is raising concerns as this variant now represents over 10% of worldwide Covid cases, reports the Irish Mirror. The WHO has classified NB. 1.81 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its speedy spread and possible resistance to immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. The strain is currently predominant in Hong Kong and China, and cases have appeared in Australia, the US and various holiday hotspots such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives. WHO statistics indicate that in a matter of four weeks, the proportion of this variant among all submitted global sequences has surged from 2.5% to 10.7%, triggering heightened international alarm. A representative for the WHO said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Experts are flagging that the new NB. 1.8.1 variant boasts multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants." Diverging from the well-known Covid symptoms such as fever, cough, and tiredness, the latest variant seems to be causing gastrointestinal issues in certain patients – marking a departure from the usual respiratory symptoms associated with previous strains. Dr Herrero noted: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." These gastrointestinal symptoms can span from abdominal pain and bloating to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion. Amidst this development, the HSE is advising people in Ireland to stay vigilant about the extensive list of Covid symptoms, which now reportedly includes: fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills dry cough fatigue (tiredness) loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose) conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye) sore throat headache muscle or joint pain (aches and pains) different types of skin rash nausea or vomiting diarrhoea chills dizziness shortness of breath or breathing difficulties loss of appetite confusion pain or pressure in the chest The current guidance for those showing signs of Covid in Ireland is to remain isolated at home until you're symptom-free for 48 hours. It's also crucial to steer clear of others, particularly those at increased risk from Covid. Whilst the WHO calls for continued vigilance among nations, they've stopped short of recommending restrictions on travel or trade, communicating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
