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Mint
11 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 now endemic in India, say government scientists as cases decline
New Delhi: Covid-19 has become endemic in India, top scientists at the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) monitoring the virus have said, ruling out the risk of any severe fresh outbreak. The current situation, they noted, is marked by small, isolated episodes rather than large waves of infections. This assessment is reflected in the steadily declining number of active cases. India's active caseload dropped to 5,012 on Sunday, down from 5,976 on Friday, according to official data. Two new deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities this year to 112. Scientists attribute the decline to high population immunity and the continuing mildness of the virus. The current spread is largely driven by Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which have so far remained less virulent. 'When transmission efficiency increases, the peak comes faster and the decline is also faster,' said Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, national chair at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former head scientist at the agency. 'Covid-19 has become endemic in India. The concerning part is that we don't want new infections, but the good news is that new variants over the last three years have remained mild or milder.' He also noted that many infections now go undetected but still contribute to building antibody responses in the population, a natural form of immunization that limits severe illness. The testing levels have declined, and comprehensive data on current infections remains limited. 'Presently, there is no very good record of the number of tests being done, and it needs to be done scientifically. But there are no significant adverse clinical symptoms to be concerned about,' one senior DBT scientist said. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, public health expert and past president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin, said that Covid-19 is now behaving like a cyclical disease, with temporary immunity leading to periodic rises in cases. 'As the level of immunity in the population drops, the virus is able to infect more people and cases will naturally rise. However, due to past vaccination and exposure to the virus earlier, immune memory protects against severe disease and death,' he said. Vulnerable individuals, he added, should remain cautious, especially during periods of surge. Jayadevan also pointed out that SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve in response to the human immune system, leading to recurring infection cycles roughly every 6 to 12 months. 'The reported number of cases is always an underestimate because of limited testing,' he said. Influenza, which is also circulating, remains a significant contributor to disease burden, he added. Earlier, Mint reported that a spike in cases during April was driven by the JN.1.16 sub-variant of Omicron. In May, most cases were linked to recombinant sub-lineages such as LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. As per government guidelines, all hospitalized Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) patients and 5% of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) cases continue to be tested for Covid-19. Positive SARI samples are routinely sent for genome sequencing. The health ministry reported 1,197 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing total recoveries this year to 19,435. Authorities continue to advise precautions, including avoiding crowded places when unwell and following Covid-appropriate behaviour. 'In hospitals too, patient load has come down and most cases are now manageable at home,' said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of the respiratory department at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
34 malaria cases recorded in Ernakulam over past two months
Ernakulam has reported over 30 confirmed cases of malaria since April 1, 2025. The total number of confirmed cases as on June 13 was 34. Of these, 21 cases were reported between May 1 and June 13. In April, as many as 13 confirmed cases were reported from various parts of the district, according to official data available with the Department of Health. A majority of them were cases of indigenous malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, considered less dangerous than the Plasmodium falciparum species. Most cases were imported (malaria introduced into the State through inter-State travel) or introduced from other States, according to the district health authorities. The areas that reported confirmed cases between April 1 and June 13 included Alangad, Keezhmad, Munambam, Parakadavu, Mazhuvannoor, Edathala, Vazhakulam, Manjapra, Kalamassery, Vengoor, Ezhikkara, Kalamassery, Thripunitura, Kaloorkad, Kadavanthra, Koonamavu, Kothamangalam, Maradi, Pandappilli, Vennala, Cheurvattoor, and Puthrika. Stating that Kerala is a low-prevalence area for malaria, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convener, Research Cell of the Indian Medical Association, Kerala, pointed out that malaria was being reported in the State primarily due to imported disease. 'For instance, migrant workers from other parts of India, where malaria is endemic, come to Kerala in search of work. In addition, international travellers from Africa also bring cases of malaria. As it is not a common cause of fever in the region, the diagnosis can be missed if healthcare professionals are not specifically looking for it,' he said. He said malaria must be suspected if the patient profile fits that of malaria, for instance, with travel history and clinical features such as fever, anaemia and jaundice. 'Testing will identify new pockets and help limit the spread. As mosquitoes spread the disease, vector control measures need to be carried out,' he said. Dr. Ashadevi, District Medical Officer, said the cases had been mostly reported from areas that had significant presence of inter-State workers. 'We have increased the number of screening camps in such areas as part of the preventive measures initiated. Most of those diagnosed with the disease were asymptomatic,' she said.
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
What are the risks of the government's proposed ‘mixopathy' move?
The Central government recently proposed starting an integrated course – MBBS and Ayurveda medicine, at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry. This proposed move has evoked a strong response from the Indian Medical Association who has said this unscientific mixing of various systems of medicine will benefit neither doctors, nor patients. This is not the first move to mix traditional and modern systems of medicine in India – other such measures for instance, have included proposals to allow traditional medical practitioners to prescribe modern medicine after a short course. What are the risks of mixing alternative systems of medicine with the MBBS course? Is there a benefit to integrated systems and if so, how should these be brought in? Has any other country managed to successfully combine alternative systems with modern, evidence based medicine? Guest: Rajeev Jayadevan is the Chairman, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, Past President, IMA Cochin Host: Zubeda Hamid Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian. Listen to more In Focus podcasts:
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai sees 11 new Covid-19 cases daily, May numbers surge past 340
MUMBAI: Mumbai is currently recording an average of 11 new Covid-19 cases daily, with 346 infections reported in May alone – a sharp rise from near-zero figures till last month. While most cases are mild and hospitalisations remain low, Maharashtra has reported six Covid-positive deaths in 2025, so far, all of them involving patients with serious comorbidities. Health experts urge caution, not panic, stressing that the virus is now endemic and should be managed with rational testing, timely care and continued protection of vulnerable groups. Since January, Mumbai has reported a total of 352 cases, most of them emerging this month. On May 28 alone, Mumbai logged 36 new cases, underscoring a seasonal surge. 'This reflects the virus's persistent presence and our need to adapt to its changing behaviour,' said a senior epidemiologist with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 'COVID has not gone—it's just quieter and more selective.' Across Maharashtra, 521 cases have been reported between January 1 and May 28, a state-wide daily average of 3.5 cases. Thane has also seen a steady increase, with 12 new infections on May 28, bringing its active caseload to 72. Of these, 16 patients have been hospitalised, 45 are recovering in home isolation, and 10 have recovered. One death linked to comorbidities has been recorded during this period. 'The clinical picture remains mild in the vast majority of cases,' according to an official with the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). 'We are ensuring timely diagnosis and isolation.' In terms of testing, Maharashtra conducted 8,868 Covid-19 tests in this five-month period, with a positivity rate of 5.87%. Besides Mumbai and Thane, new cases on May 28 were reported from Pune (9), Navi Mumbai (4), Panvel (4), Pimpri-Chinchwad (3), Kalyan (2), Ahmednagar (2), and one case each from Raigad and Nagpur. The state's active case count stands at 383, with 132 recoveries documented since January. Despite the uptick, health authorities are not alarmed. Hospital admissions remain limited, and most patients are recovering within three to four days. 'There is no significant lung involvement or oxygen requirement in these patients,' said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chair of the National IMA COVID Task Force. 'Symptoms are predominantly mild—fever, sore throat, body ache, fatigue. Most people don't require antivirals or even clinical intervention beyond supportive care.' Maharashtra has reported six Covid-positive deaths in 2025, so far, averaging one death approximately every 24 days. All six individuals had serious underlying conditions. 'In these cases, Covid was a precipitating factor, not the primary cause of death,' explained an infectious disease specialist at a Mumbai tertiary hospital. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued an advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant without resorting to panic. 'Covid is now endemic. It flares when immunity wanes or when a new variant circulates,' said Dr Jayadevan. 'What we need is rational testing, symptom-guided treatment, and continued focus on protecting at-risk populations.' He also warned against the misuse of antibiotics. 'This is a viral illness—antibiotics are ineffective and only worsen antimicrobial resistance,' he said. With the monsoon approaching and the likelihood of a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, health experts are advising the public to wear masks in crowded places, avoid self-medication, and seek timely medical consultation if symptoms persist. 'We've learnt how to live with this virus,' said a senior health official. 'It still targets the vulnerable, but we are no longer powerless—preparedness, not panic, is what matters now.'
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India gears up to reboot ICU standards, fix doctor drain, and cash in on global med travel
India will soon come up with a structured framework for critical care to address the infrastructure and human resource gap in the sector, officials said. The idea, which is at a preliminary stage of discussion, could include defining resource allocation for critical care and criteria for prioritising patients during emergencies. The proposed framework could lay down standards for structure, personnel, and organisation of the critical care unit across hospitals in the country, a senior government official told ET on the condition of anonymity. A committee has been formed under NITI Aayog member VK Paul to lay out standards for world-class critical care in India as the country eyes significant surge in medical value travel in the coming years, besides helping the nation prepare better for any Covid-like pandemic in future. The Aayog is studying global standards and will soon initiate stakeholder consultations to draft an India-centric framework for critical care, the official said. "Two evident gaps in critical care are infrastructure and human resources. India needs guidelines to fix these key aspects of critical care to up its standards and ensure that only people in genuine need avail of these services," the official added. Experts point towards imbalance between availability and access to critical care in India. "India faces an acute drain of talent, both doctors and support staff trained in critical care, which impacts the quality of critical care services in the country," Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president, Indian Medical Association, Kochi, said, adding there was a pressing need for updated specialised equipment at intensive care units to address the infrastructure gap as well. "The framework should emphasise critical care protocols, requisite infrastructure, well trained and well credentialed doctors and support staff to raise the standards of critical care in India," he added. India has guidelines for intensive care unit admission, but these are often ignored and admission to critical care units of ICUs happen for social reasons, sometimes depriving genuine patients of the critical care they deserve, an industry expert said, requesting not to be identified. "Some standards are already in place but they are not adhered to on the ground largely because of scarcity of infrastructure and huge gap in demand and supply of critical care beds in the country," the expert added. Industry body Ficci pegs the medical value travel (MVT) in India at $13 billion by 2026 compared to around $6 billion in 2022 with patients for Bangladesh, Iraq, Maldives, Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania accounting for about 88% of the total international patients visiting India.
