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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
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Maharashtra reports 19 new Covid cases, 19 of them in Mumbai
Mumbai: Even as daily numbers fell, the city's total Covid-19 cases since May reached 899, with 19 new cases reported on Wednesday. Maharashtra reported a total of 61 Covid-19 cases on the same day. Other cases were reported from Pune (12), Nagpur (8), Pimpri-Chinchwad (5), Sangli (4), Thane (3), Navi Mumbai (2), Panvel (2), Wardha (2), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (2), Mira-Bhayandar (1), and Satara (1). The new cases were mild, health officials said. Since the surge began in May, there were 31 deaths reported in the state, six of them in Mumbai. One of these occurred on Sunday in a 44-year-old with liver cirrhosis. All of the deceased so far had such preexisting comorbidities. The state health department instructed municipal corporations to conduct regular surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases. "Five percent of ILI patients and all SARI patients should be tested for Covid-19," the health department said.
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.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune accounts for 38% of Maha's ILI & SARI cases
Pune has emerged as the worst-affected district in Maharashtra for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), accounting for over a third of the state's total caseload. However, officials claim that precise reporting is the reason behind this large number of cases. According to official data from the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the state health department, Maharashtra recorded a total 142,474 cases of ILI and SARI between January 1 and June 11, 2025 with Pune district alone accounting for 54,371 cases which is approximately 38% of the total cases. During the same period, the state reported 753 cases of SARI, 597 (79%) of which were reported by Pune district alone, officials said. Dr Sachin Desai, Pune district health officer, said that the reason behind the large number of cases is the reporting in Pune district. 'All cases are regularly updated on the portal, and there is no underreporting of cases. However, no deaths have been reported amongst these infected patients,' he said. According to health experts, the large number of cases is worrying and maybe linked to multiple factors such as climate variations, urban density, air quality, and delayed medical intervention. Dr Abhijeet Lodha, physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, said that those with existing co-morbidities and the elderly should regularly take influenza vaccines and infected patients must follow hygiene and use face masks in public places. 'The spikes in respiratory illnesses are often aggravated during seasonal transitions and by rising pollution levels. The monsoon, with its damp and humid conditions, only worsens the situation,' Dr Lodha said. As per data provided by the public health department, Pune district reported the highest number of ILI cases this year followed by Jalgaon with 18,435 cases and Ahilya Nagar with 9,903 cases. Similarly, Pune reported the highest number of SARI cases (597) followed by Solapur (31) and Nagpur (29). A senior health official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on request of anonymity said, 'The cases have gone up and the surge in cases can be attributed to the pollution and weather change. 'Many people from nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ahilya Nagar and Kolhapur also come for treatment to Pune which adds to the total number. Besides, there is more awareness among people coming forward to report if they have any symptoms.' Dr Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospital said that more ILI and SARI cases are likely to be reported due to the onset of the monsoon and that citizens should take all precautionary measures and stay safe. 'During the monsoon, temperature variations take place and we can expect an increase in such cases. Considering the current situation in Pune, it is important to differentiate between Covid-19 positive patients and those who are not. Individuals at high risk should get tested immediately if they have any such symptoms and should not attribute it to weather change,' he said.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid cases in India past 7,000-mark, 6 more deaths
Covid cases in India past 7,000-mark, 6 more deaths New Delhi: With six more deaths on Wednesday, the Covid toll in the country has gone up to 74. The total number of active cases in India has crossed the 7,000 mark. Of the latest fatalities, three were from Kerala, two from Karnataka and one from Maharashtra. Official sources maintained that most cases are mild and being managed under home care. At the same time, Centre has directed all states to check facility-level preparedness and ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines as a precautionary measure. The sources had said on June 4 that state and district surveillance units under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) are closely monitoring Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. "Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5 per cent of ILI cases as per guidelines and positive SARI samples are being sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network," they added.
