Latest news with #NIV
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
PMC tells hospitals, labs to follow Covid-19 testing protocols
1 2 Pune: Private labs across Pune have been told to strictly adhere to Covid-19 testing protocols as mandated by the central govt in 2022. Pune Municipal Corporation's health department chief Dr Nina Borade on Tuesday said that people with flu-like symptoms like cold, cough or fever are taking Covid tests without a medical prescription. Dr Borade said, "Covid-19 is now endemic and we have not seen any alarming rise in hospital admissions due to this virus in the city this season. There is no reason for concern as of now. However, some are undergoing Covid tests and labs are conducting these tests without following protocols. This is showing up as a spike in numbers." All positive samples are sent to NIV, Pune or BJ Medical College for genome sequencing, she added. The 2022 advisory said tests were to be conducted only for those who are at risk, contacts of laboratory confirmed cases which includes includes elderly (over 60 years) and individuals with co-morbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung or kidney disease, malignancy, obesity. Individuals travelling abroad must also be tested. Testing may be undertaken as per discretion of the treating doctor. No emergency procedure should be delayed for lack of a test, patients should not be referred to other facilities for lack of a testing facility, asymptomatic patients undergoing surgical or non-surgical invasive procedures including pregnant women in or near labour who are hospitalized for delivery should not be tested unless warranted or symptoms develop and admitted patients may not be tested more than once a week. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo However, some patients insist on being tested for Covid-19. Dr H K Sale, executive director of Noble Hospitals, said often symptomatic patients demand a test especially if they have to travel outside the country or if they have any vulnerable patients at home. "The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in several countries has caused some panic among some people," he added.
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
Dengue To Nipah: NIV Developing Vaccines For These Deadly Viruses In India
Last Updated: With Nakshatra supercomputer at NIV Pune, virus mutations can be tracked in real time, speeding up vaccine development and enabling swift national response The National Institute of Virology's (NIV) fight against deadly viruses is gaining momentum far beyond dengue. While India's first indigenous dengue vaccine has reached the final phase of human trials—an important breakthrough in tackling the mosquito-borne illness—NIV is also developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for several other high-risk viruses, aiming to reduce the country's reliance on imported technology and boost epidemic preparedness. The Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus, prevalent in Karnataka and surrounding forests, causes a severe fever, and its vaccine is now in an advanced stage. Chandipura Virus The Chandipura virus, which induces high fever in children, is also being targeted by NIV for a vaccine. Nipah Virus India is developing a vaccine for the highly lethal Nipah virus using monoclonal antibody technology. CCHF Virus The zoonotic Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus is also under surveillance by the NIV, where work on a vaccine and diagnostic kit is already underway. These advancements signify India's growing self-reliance in addressing biological threats. With Nakshatra in place, virus mutations can be tracked in real time, accelerating vaccine development and enabling faster national response during outbreaks. The arrival of this supercomputer is being hailed as a revolutionary step in India's virology efforts. Eradicating Dengue India's first indigenous dengue vaccine could mark a turning point in the country's decades-long battle against the disease. The vaccine has shown promise against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, thanks to modern biotechnology advances in the NIV labs. If the final phase of trials is successful, India will soon have its first homegrown and safe dengue vaccine. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
India's active Covid-19 cases fall under 6,000; three deaths in 24 hours
India's active Covid-19 caseload fell to 5,976 on Thursday, down from 6,483 the previous day, marking the third consecutive day of decline. Three deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of the three fatalities, two were from Delhi and one from Kerala. All the deceased were elderly individuals with chronic health conditions. Active Covid-19 cases have declined across most states, with 507 fewer new infections reported on Wednesday. Delhi recorded the highest number of fresh cases in the past day, adding 12 infections and taking its active case count to 632. Kerala continues to report the highest number of active cases at 1,309, followed by Gujarat with 1,046. Maharashtra remains among the most affected states, with 5,443 active cases. Karnataka saw the largest single-day drop, with 187 fewer cases, while Rajasthan reported a decline of 83 cases in the same period. State Active Cases New Cases (Last 24 Hours) Deaths (Last 24 Hours) Kerala 1,309 -75 1 Maharashtra 443 -46 0 Gujarat 1,046 -59 0 Delhi 632 +12 2 Rajasthan 219 -83 0 Karnataka 466 -187 0 Tamil Nadu 187 -37 0 PGIMER: Covid-19 under control in India Covid-19 is currently under control in India, with no new cases reported over the past week, according to Dr Vivek Lal, Director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Speaking to ANI, Dr Lal attributed the decline in cases to the robust vaccination drive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'We are fully prepared for Covid-19, but the situation is clearly improving. I don't think a single patient has tested positive in the last week,' he said. Dr Lal credited India's ongoing vaccination campaign for maintaining immunity and reducing case severity. Scientists monitor new subvariants behind latest surge The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has begun genome sequencing and isolation of four new Omicron subvariants believed to be behind the recent spike in cases. Genome sequencing helps determine the complete genetic makeup of viruses and track mutations that impact transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. Dr Naveen Kumar, director of the Pune-based NIV, said this effort would assess whether existing vaccines remain effective or require updates. 'So far, the new variants do not appear to cause severe disease,' he noted. He added that isolating the strains would aid in evaluating vaccine formulation, but any decision to update vaccines lies with policymakers following expert consultations. Experts recommend targeted boosters, not mass drives Public health experts have advised against a mass booster campaign, recommending targeted doses for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. They said India's hybrid immunity—developed from both past infections and vaccinations—provides sufficient protection for the general population. While the national outlook remains positive, officials cautioned that isolated clusters of infections are still emerging and should be monitored.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
NIV Pune isolating 4 Omicron sub-variants responsible for recent rise in Covid cases: Director
Pune: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) Wednesday said it is genome sequencing and isolating four new sub-variants of Omicron which are believed to be responsible for the recent rise in Covid cases across India. This effort will help in assessing vaccine effectiveness , Dr Naveen Kumar, director of Pune-based NIV under the ICMR, said. An upsurge of Covid cases was noticed since the second week of April. Kumar said that after genome sequencing of samples across India, four sub- variants of Omicron -- LF.7, XFG, JN.1. 16 and NB. 1.8.1 -- have been found. Genomic analysis revealed that the surge was due to JN.1.16 sub lineage of Omicron variant and since May, it was replaced by the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant. Whole genome sequences have been submitted to Indian Biological Data Centre and Global Initiative On Sharing All Influenza Data, Kumar said. "Scientists at NIV are doing monitoring, genome sequencing and isolating the new variants. The strain, which was circulating in Singapore, was also found in India five-six weeks ago. "Isolation is important to replace the existing vaccine strain if at all it is required. Whether or not this needs to be replaced is something which is to be critically analysed based on the severity of the disease. So far it appears that the strains are not much severe. However, the decision of making a new vaccine using the currently circulating strains is taken by policy makers after extensive discussion," Kumar said. Currently, two monovalent Omicron-based vaccines are available - Biological E Limited's Corbivax and Serum Institute of India's COVOVAX. The situation is being continuously monitored by the health ministry. Meanwhile, the active Covid caseload in the country has marginally dropped. As of June 18, there are 6,483 active cases as compared to 6,837 cases on Tuesday. Official sources have maintained that severity of infections has been low and most of the patients are being managed under home care. Since January 1, 113 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses. Kerala continues to be the most-affected state, followed by Gujarat, Karnataka and Delhi, according to the health ministry's data released on Sunday. Meanwhile, all states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines to deal with Covid cases, official sources said on Wednesday.
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 in India: Pune NIV identifies and isolates 4 new Omicron sub-variants driving the current surge in cases
The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, announced on Wednesday that it has successfully sequenced and isolated four new sub-variants of the Omicron coronavirus variant. These sub-variants are believed to be driving the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across India. Dr Naveen Kumar, director of the Pune-based NIV under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), explained that genome sequencing of samples collected nationwide revealed four distinct Omicron sub-variants: LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1. Genomic analysis indicated that the surge in Covid infections was initially caused by the JN.1.16 sub-lineage of Omicron. However, since May, this has been largely replaced by the recombinant XFG variant, which includes LF.7 and LP.81.2 strains. Dr Kumar emphasised the critical role of genome sequencing and isolation of new variants in assessing vaccine efficacy. 'Isolation is important to replace the existing vaccine strain if needed. Whether this is necessary depends on the severity of the disease caused by these variants,' he said. So far, the new strains do not appear to cause severe illness. Decisions regarding the development of new vaccines based on currently circulating variants will be made by policymakers after thorough evaluation. At present, India has two monovalent Omicron-based vaccines available: Biological E Limited's Corbevax and Serum Institute of India's Covovax. The Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the evolving situation. As of 18 June, India's active Covid caseload has marginally decreased to 6,483 from 6,837 the previous day. Official sources report that the severity of infections remains low, with most patients managing their illness through home care. Since 1 January, India has recorded 113 Covid-related deaths, predominantly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Kerala remains the most affected state by Covid-19, followed by Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi, according to health ministry data released on Sunday. In response, all states have been instructed to ensure adequate availability of oxygen supplies, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines to effectively manage Covid cases.
