Latest news with #Influenza-LikeIllness
Mint
12 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
India's Covid-19 cases decline even as new Omicron sub-variants emerge
New Delhi: India's active Covid-19 caseload fell to 5,976 on Friday, down from 6,483 cases a day earlier, even as new Omicron sub-variants continue to drive infections. The country reported three deaths in the past 24 hours—two from Delhi and one from Kerala—taking the total fatalities this year to 116, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. Health authorities have identified two new Omicron sub-lineages, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—both mutations of the JN.1 variant—as the cause of the current surge. However, scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have indicated that these new strains are not causing increased disease severity compared to earlier Omicron waves. Several states are witnessing a decline in daily infections. Kerala reported 1,309 active cases, followed by Gujarat (1,046), West Bengal (747), Delhi (632), Karnataka (466), and Maharashtra (443). According to ICMR, genome sequencing data shows that while the earlier spike was largely due to the JN.1.16 sub-variant, most recent cases are being attributed to recombinant variants like LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The Union Health Ministry has urged the public to continue observing Covid-appropriate behaviour, avoid crowded places, and take necessary health precautions, especially when unwell. The ministry emphasized that while Covid-19 has transitioned into an endemic stage, all circulating variants over the past three years have remained within the Omicron lineage. To ensure preparedness, the government has directed states and union territories to review medical readiness across healthcare facilities, including the availability of oxygen supplies, isolation beds, ventilators, and critical medicines. A nationwide mock drill was conducted to assess oxygen supply infrastructure in hospitals. Surveillance units at the state and district level are closely monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. All SARI admissions and 5% of ILI cases continue to be tested for Covid-19, with positive SARI samples sent for whole genome sequencing to track emerging variants. Meanwhile, 1,219 people recovered from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries this year to 17,164, ministry data showed.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Wardha Reports First Covid Death This Year
Nagpur: Wardha district reported its first Covid-19 death of the year after a 47-year-old man succumbed during treatment. According to sources, the patient was also suffering from liver cirrhosis. According to officials, his Covid-19 test report, received on June 13, confirmed the infection posthumously. With this, Wardha joins the list of Vidarbha districts that have reported Covid-19 deaths this year. Nagpur has already recorded three deaths, while Chandrapur has reported two so far in 2025. According to the state health department, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) recorded one fresh case on Sunday. Maharashtra recorded 40 new Covid-19 cases on June 15. The highest number of cases were reported from Mumbai (22), followed by Pune Municipal Corporation (10), Pune district (2), Pimpri-Chinchwad (2), Chandrapur (2) and Wardha (1). The state's active Covid-19 caseload now stands at 540. Of these, Nagpur has 7 active patients, all reported to have mild symptoms. Health officials reiterated that routine testing and surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) patients is ongoing across the state. All positive Covid-19 samples are being sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to monitor for any emerging variants.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
2 covid patients with severe comorbidities die in city
Nagpur: The death of two patients with severe comorbidities from Nagpur were officially attributed to Covid-19 on Saturday. Both victims were males — a 56-year-old patient, who was suffering from diabetes and hypertension, and a 32-year-old cancer patient with anaemia. With the test results showing them to be positive, the deaths were added to the state's Covid-19 toll. According to the state health department, Maharashtra reported 53 new Covid cases on Saturday. The highest number of cases were from Mumbai (24), followed by Pune city (11), Thane city (5), Pimpri-Chinchwad (3), Sangli district (2), Pune district (2), Sangli city (2), Navi Mumbai (1), and Raigad (1). Maharashtra currently has 578 active Covid-19 cases, of which five are in Nagpur. All active cases in the district are reportedly mild. The state continues its routine surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (Sari). As per protocol, 5% of ILI cases and all Sari cases are being tested for Covid. All positive samples are being forwarded for whole genome sequencing to monitor any changes in the virus. "ILI and Sari surveillance is being actively conducted in the state. There is a gradual but definite rise in Covid cases in Maharashtra. However, the symptoms remain mild and testing and treatment services are readily available through public health facilities. Citizens are advised not to panic," stated a press release by Maharashtra public health department. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
GRH sets up 50-bed Covid-19 ward as precaution
Madurai: Amid a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases across Tamil Nadu, Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai has set up a dedicated 50-bed isolation ward as a precautionary step. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While no active cases have been reported in the city, health officials are urging the public to wear masks and maintain hand hygiene in crowded areas. The isolation facility includes 30 beds for adults and 20 for children. GRH dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar said the hospital is fully prepared to manage any potential Covid-19 cases, following directions from the state health department. "We have ample supplies of medicines and oxygen. OPD staff have been instructed to wear masks and follow hygiene protocols. Covid testing will be conducted only if deemed necessary," he said, adding that fever cases are being closely monitored. Health officials clarified there has been no spike in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. "There were a few fever cases after the rains, but no clusters or surges have been identified. People are advised to avoid self-medication and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms," an official said. Surveillance has also been tightened at Madurai airport. Passengers arriving from abroad with fever or cough are being screened and isolated if needed. A 16-member monitoring team has been deployed for airport vigilance. MSID:: 121652081 413 |
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Dakshina Kannada reports three COVID-19 cases, all patients discharged after recovery, says DHO
Dakshina Kannada reported three COVID-19 positive cases in May, and all three patients, who were women (aged 64, 57, and 29), have recovered and been discharged, according to H.R. Thimmaiah, District Health and Family Welfare Officer. Addressing the media persons here on Tuesday, he said that one of the patients was admitted to a hospital, and the other two received treatment at their homes. Assuring that people need not panic about the spread of COVID-19, he said that people should not believe in rumours. Presently, COVID-19 is not a matter of serious concern in the district, he said. Testing only at Wenlock Hospital Dr. Thimmaiah said that samples to confirm COVID-19 positive cases in the district will have to be tested only at the laboratory of Government Wenlock Hospital here. Laboratories at the private hospitals are not authorised to test the samples now. The government has given a clear instruction on the same. The sample test at the Wenlock Hospital began on Tuesday. The DHO said that sample testing for COVID-19 will be done in all cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Random tests, up to 5%, will be done in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases. Dr. Thimmaiah said that the Health Department is prepared to face COVID-19 with the necessary facilities. It has 5,000 test kits, six liquid oxygen plants, 213 jumbo oxygen cylinders and other facilities like functional ICU beds, nebulisers and ventilators in addition to the 480 oxygenated beds at the Wenlock Hospital.
