After months of relative calm, Covid-19 is once again making its presence felt across India. Active cases have surged past the 1,000 mark as of May 26, rising sharply from just 257 cases last week with outbreaks emerging in multiple states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. However, health experts have said that there is no need to panic as the virus is mild in nature.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the country recorded 752 new cases and seven deaths over the past seven days, while 305 patients have recovered or been discharged.
Kerala leads with 430 active cases, having added 335 new infections since May 19 while Maharashtra follows with 209 active cases, including 153 new cases and 4 reported deaths. Delhi has recorded 99 new cases, bringing its total to 104.
Other states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad are also witnessing a rise in infections, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and containment measures.
The Ministry confirmed the detection of two COVID-19 subvariants ie NB.1.8.1: Detected in Tamil Nadu (1 case, April) and LF.7: Detected in four cases in May.
These sub variants have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). Both variants are linked to recent COVID-19 surges in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but current data indicates no increase in transmissibility or severity.
Last week, the Union Health Ministry conducted a high-level review meeting, emphasising ongoing surveillance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR바카라s respiratory virus sentinel network and genomic sequencing of positive samples to track variant trends
The Ministry also assured that most new cases are mild and managed under home care, hence public should not panic.
Cities like Mumbai have taken proactive steps, with 16 patients currently hospitalized and isolation protocols in place at Seven Hills Hospital. Pune has reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital despite no active public hospital cases, as a precautionary measure. Gurgaon and Faridabad in Haryana have also reported new cases.
Health officials have reiterated that while the current situation does not warrant alarm, vigilance, preparedness, and continued testing are essential바카라especially for vulnerable populations. According to reports, Prof Dr Suneela Garg, a senior public health expert and ex-chair of the program committee of NIHFW, under the Union Health Ministry said there is no need to panic. 바카라The increase in cases is small, the illness is generally mild, and India바카라s health systems are well-prepared. Most importantly, we now have the tools, knowledge, and resilience to manage this situation without fear.바카라
Health experts recommend taking basic precautions such as regularly washing your hands with soap or using hand sanitiser, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or when visiting healthcare facilities.
