Is Covid Making a Comeback? India Sees a Surge in Cases
A Fresh Wave? Covid Cases Rise in Major Indian Cities
After months of relative calm, Covid-19 cases are on the rise again in several Indian cities, prompting authorities to take precautions. Cities like Delhi, Kerala, and Mumbai have reported a recent increase in infections, leading health officials to urge hospitals to be prepared.
Delhi Sees First Cases in Three Years
Delhi, the national capital, has seen a particularly notable uptick. It’s reported 23 new cases, the first in three years, according to PTI. While most cases are mild and haven’t resulted in any deaths, the Delhi government has directed hospitals to ensure they have enough beds, oxygen, testing kits, and vaccines on hand.
The JN.1 Variant
Experts believe the surge is likely driven by the spread of the JN.1 variant, a sub-variant of Omicron. Although this variant is considered active, it hasn’t yet been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms associated with the JN.1 variant are generally mild and most people recover within four days. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion.
Other States on Alert
Other states are also seeing a rise in cases. Kerala has reported the most cases in recent weeks, with 273 infections in May. The state government has made masks mandatory in hospitals and advised people with coughs to wear face coverings. Karnataka has also experienced a slight increase, with 35 infections reported, including a nine-month-old baby.
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has reported 95 cases in May, representing the majority of Maharashtra’s total Covid infections. Hospitalizations remain low, with only 16 patients admitted. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is advising Covid testing for all patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) symptoms.
Even though Andhra Pradesh hasn’t seen a significant spike, health facilities there have been instructed to maintain adequate supplies of vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, and triple-layer masks. Travelers returning from Covid-affected countries, primarily in Asia, are being advised to get tested.
No Need to Panic
While the increase in cases is cause for concern, health officials are urging people not to panic. They emphasize that most infections are mild and the situation is being closely monitored.
Staying Informed
It’s important to stay informed about the latest developments regarding Covid-19. Reliable sources of information include the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indian Ministry of Health, and local health departments.
