Category: Coronavirus

Experts explain post-vaccination risks and do the risk-benefit analysis

Global pharmaceutical manufacturer AstraZeneca has admitted that its Covid-19 vaccine, developed by researchers from the Oxford University, can cause a rare side effect of blood clotting and low platelet count after immunisation. In India, the same vaccine, called Covishield and manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, has been administered through 175 crore doses. Understandably, this raises questions as to the safety of the jab all of us took.

The company made this admission of a side effect, Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), in court as it faces a lawsuit alleging severe harm and deaths caused by the vaccine, according to The Daily Telegraph. While this may be the company’s first admission in court, TTS has been well-documented and accepted in scientific literature. The first cases came to light within months of the vaccination drives beginning in Europe, with some countries halting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for a while.

WHAT DOES THE CASE MEAN FOR COVISHIELD USERS IN INDIA?

The Government committee on Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), vetted at least 36 cases of TTS and confirmed 18 deaths from it in 2021, the first year of Covid-19 vaccination in the country. However, it is unlikely that affected Indian patients can join the British petition due to legal hurdles such as approvals coming from different regulators and the product being manufactured by an Indian company, which is subject to Indian jurisdiction and laws.

WHY IS THERE NO NEED TO PANIC?

Experts say that TTS was reported early on in the pandemic by European countries but it was very rare in India. A senior health ministry official, who was part of the discussions on the vaccination drive says, “TTS is a very rare side effect, rarer still in Indians and South Asians as compared to Europeans. But there is enough evidence to show that vaccination saved lives — the benefits outweighed the risks.”

Besides, the risk is not only rare but is high only in the first few weeks after the first vaccination. Most Indians have already had three shots and it has been a long time since. Says Dr Gagandeep Kang, Director of Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who was on the WHO safety advisory committee for COVID-19 vaccines, “It is most important to reassure people that the risk of TTS is shortly after vaccination. We are all long past vaccination now,” she adds.

“It is surprising that people are reacting now. The rare side effect was well documented and scientifically accepted even when the vaccination drives were going on. The benefit of vaccination at the height of the pandemic outweighed the risk,” says Dr Anurag Agarwal, Dean of Biosciences and Health Research at the Trivedi School of Biosciences of Ashoka University.

Besides, the package insert for Covishield always came with a warning about the rare condition. “A very rare and serious (side effect) … has been observed following vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant) during post-authorisation use… Cases have occurred in patients with a previous history of thrombosis, as well as in patients with autoimmune disorders. The benefits and risks of vaccination should be considered in these patients.”

A 2022 study in Lancet Global Health found that AstraZeneca had reported rates of 8.1 TTS cases per million receiving the first dose and 2.3 TTS cases per million receiving the second dose. The study also showed that there was a geographic variation in the reporting of TTS, with the highest cases coming from Nordic countries (17.6 per million doses) and the lowest from Asian countries (0.2 per million doses).

Besides, the package insert for Covishield always came with a warning about the rare condition. “A very rare and serious (side effect) … has been observed following vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant) during post-authorisation use… Cases have occurred in patients with a previous history of thrombosis, as well as in patients with autoimmune disorders. The benefits and risks of vaccination should be considered in these patients.”

A 2022 study in Lancet Global Health found that AstraZeneca had reported rates of 8.1 TTS cases per million receiving the first dose and 2.3 TTS cases per million receiving the second dose. The study also showed that there was a geographic variation in the reporting of TTS, with the highest cases coming from Nordic countries (17.6 per million doses) and the lowest from Asian countries (0.2 per million doses).

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/astrazeneca-vaccine-clotting-covishield-vaccine-india-9299683/

Researchers have found a concerning association between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of developing the rare disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome over the following six weeks. However, the study authors, working with the American Academy of Neurology, also note those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine showed a lower risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome in comparison to others who did not receive the vaccine.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack nerve cells and portions of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms usually begin with weakness in the hands and feet before eventually progressing to full-blown paralysis. While it can be life-threatening if left untreated, the majority of Guillain-Barré patients make a full recovery.

The exact cause of Guillain-Barr syndrome remains a mystery, but it often develops after gastrointestinal or respiratory infections. Researchers note the rare disorder develops in up to 20 out of every one million people annually, and cases following certain vaccinations are extremely rare.

“These findings further highlight the benefits of ongoing vaccination programs with mRNA-based vaccines,” says study author Anat Arbel, MD, of Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center in Haifa, Israel. “The results have important clinical and public health implications,” in a media release.

This project assessed over three million people living in Israel, all of whom had no previous history of Guillain-Barr. Researchers tracked participants starting from Jan. 1, 2021 until June 30, 2022. During that period, 76 individuals developed Guillain-Barr. The study authors then matched each Guillain-Barr patient to 10 people who did not have the syndrome (760 people in total).

Next, the research team assessed whether participants had a COVID infection or a COVID vaccine over the six weeks prior to being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré (or the same period among matched participants).

This approach led to the finding that those with a recent COVID infection were six times more likely to develop Guillain-Barré than others who had gone without an infection. In all, 12 percent of those with Guillain-Barré had a recent COVID infection, in comparison to just two percent of the people who did not have Guillain-Barré.

Additionally, 11 percent of Guillain-Barré patients had been recently vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine, in comparison to 18 percent of those who did not have Guillain-Barré. All in all, the study estimates people with a recent mRNA vaccination were over 50 percent less likely to develop Guillain-Barré than the unvaccinated.

Source: https://studyfinds.org/covid-19-guillain-barre/

The U.S. CDC on Friday issued a health alert to inform clinicians, state health departments and the public of a case of avian influenza in a person who had contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus.
The farm worker from Texas was reported to be infected on April 1, making it the second case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, identified in a person in the United States.
It follows a 2022 case in Colorado, and comes as the virus is spreading to new mammals, including dairy cattle for the first time.
To prevent infection from the virus, the CDC recommends the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, antiviral treatment, patient investigations and monitoring of persons exposed to sick or dead, wild and domesticated animals and livestock that may have been infected with the virus.
Earlier this week, the CDC said the infection does not change the risk assessment for the U.S. general public from H5N1 bird flu, which it considers to be low. The Texas patient’s only symptom was eye inflammation, according to the state’s health department.

More than half the world’s countries will be at a “high or very high” risk of measles by the end of 2024 unless urgent action is taken by governments to protect children, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.

Measles has been on the rise across most regions, especially due to a high amount of missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic when health systems were overrun with an excessive amount of patients.

Natasha Crowcroft, senior technical adviser on measles and rubella for WHO, said in a press conference in Geneva: “What we are worried about is this year, 2024, we’ve got these big gaps in our immunization programs, and if we don’t fill them really quickly with the vaccine, measles will just jump into that gap.

“We can see, from data that’s produced with WHO data by the CDC, that more than half of all the countries in the world are going to be at high or very high risk of outbreaks by the end of this year.”

Evidence of rising cases is clear in the US, where Florida recorded its seventh case of the virus on Friday – a child under the age of five. The child is the youngest to be infected in the outbreak and lives in Brownard County, officials said.

Measles, according to the WHO, is a “highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.”

The disease is common in children, but can seriously affect all age groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Measles can be extremely dangerous to a certain group of people, including children younger than five years, adults older than 20 years, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems from other diseases like leukemia and HIV infection.

Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes in the first seven to 14 days after exposure.

Though measles vaccines were introduced in 1963, an estimation of 128,000 people died from measles in 2021, especially children under the age of five, the WHO reported.

According to the WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a setback in providing immunization services, leaving millions of unvaccinated children vulnerable to measles and increasing the likelihood of spreading to communities.

Crowcroft cited data saying that more than 306,000 measles cases were reported globally last year, marking a 79 percent increase from 2022.

She added that deaths increased by 43 percent in 2022, exceeding 130,000 deaths due to the disease.

This year, a total of 35 measles cases so far have been reported by 15 jurisdictions across the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The states include Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

The CDC noted the measles cases in these states are often associated with an increase in the number of people who travel abroad, as well as spreading it with communities of unvaccinated people.

Source: https://www.the-express.com/news/health/129023/measles-outbreak-warning-who-pandemic-covid

A new study sponsored by the Office of Secretary of Defense provides a unique window into the views of military planners and how they see future forms of warfare.

The year is 2028, and a new and highly infectious coronavirus has struck the sailors of the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed in the South China Sea. As the world grapples with this emerging pandemic, confusion runs rampant among officials at the CIA, CDC, and DOD, who bicker over the most effective response strategies.

Meanwhile, China, seemingly immune to the novel virus, seizes the opportunity to launch a full-scale assault on Taiwan, capitalizing on the global chaos.

While the World Health Organization praises China’s successful social distancing measures, little do they know that the Chinese government had covertly vaccinated its military and essential workers under the guise of a standard COVID-19 booster campaign.

This scenario, initially conceived by Pentagon researchers, may sound like science fiction, but military strategists believe that a “coronavirus bioweapon” may lurk on the horizon. This possibility is one of several outlined in a new report sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The report “Plagues, Cyborgs, and Supersoldiers: The Human Domain of War Research” delves into how CRISPR gene-editing technology, mRNA vaccines, brain networking, and other technological advancements could unleash new forms of military conflict.

Released earlier this month and reported here for the first time, this provocative report, conducted within the Acquisition and Technology Policy Program of the RAND National Security Research Division, offers futuristic scenarios that military planners should consider.

“We see a complex, high-threat landscape emerging where future wars are fought with humans controlling hyper-sophisticated machines with their thoughts” and “synthetically generated, genomically targeted plagues” that cripple the American military-industrial base,” the report warns.

In another intriguing scenario, seemingly inspired by the decline of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and this time set in a more distant future, the report suggests that elderly congressional leaders, desperate to retain power, secretly install state-of-the-art Brain-Computer Interface devices. These devices, commonly used among wealthy senior citizens in the scenario, initially help the senators regain mobility and speech after years of clear cognitive decline. However, when the brain implants malfunction, causing erratic and belligerent behavior, foreign allies begin to distance themselves from the U.S., damaging national security.

The report further highlights the potential hacking vulnerabilities associated with BCI implants, which, while promising for patients with neuromuscular impairments, could be exploited to inject fear, confusion, or anger.

Additionally, the authors caution against the possibility of government employees replacing their natural eye lenses with artificial ones containing tiny cameras connected to micro-storage devices. The small cameras could collect classified intelligence and leak it to foreign adversaries.

Source: https://www.leefang.com/p/pentagon-report-predicts-new-age

As temperatures dip, Delhi-NCR hospitals are noticing a surge in cases of flu, especially H1N1 infection, among elderly and co-morbid people.

Medical experts treating the patients told News18 that elderly patients may face prolonged recovery from infections, which are heightened in the cold season, leading to complications.

The H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of Influenza A virus.

Severe cases require hospitalisation and while adults recover in 3-4 days, the elderly may take a week or more. Doctors blame the intricate interplay of flu and bacterial infections on extending recovery times, leading to prolonged hospital stays.

Common symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, muscle pain, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and watery eyes. Despite similar flu symptoms, Covid-19 tests are conducted for inpatients in the majority of hospitals across Delhi-NCR.

EXPERTS NOTICE SURGE IN H1N1
Dr Manisha Arora, unit head of internal medicine at Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told News18 that the outpatient department is handling around 12-15 flu cases daily, with one-third requiring admission due to confirmed H1N1 infection.

“The focus is on treating confirmed positive cases, with seniors — often with comorbidities — experiencing super-added infections requiring oxygen support.”

Arora said adults recover relatively swiftly but underlying health issues prolong healing for the elderly, exacerbated by super-added infections during the cold season, leading to increased hypertension and chest infections.

Dr Manoj Sharma, senior consultant, internal medicine at Vasant Kunj’s Fortis Hospital, also confirmed the resurgence of H1N1 cases.

“Every season change or extreme weather brings some viral or bacterial infection with rising alarm. Yes, we are seeing H1N1 patients in OPD but they can be easily managed in OPD as of now,” Sharma said.

Similarly, according to Dr Sakshi Singh, consultant, department of internal medicine at Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital Faridabad, among viral infections, there has been a resurgence in the number of H1N1 and H3N2 and common influenza.

“In cold weather, similar health issues arise. But viral illnesses affecting different health systems have risen in incidences. Along with the rise in pollution and bad air quality, they have been contributing to health risks.”

HIGH BP, HEART ISSUES, GASTRIC PROBLEMS & MORE
While H1N1 has been highlighted by experts due to sudden resurgence along with complications among elderly patients, other complications reported by patients include influenza, common cold, norovirus infections, hypothermia and frostbite, seasonal affective disorder (type of depression), asthma, respiratory conditions, heart-related issues and joint pain.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/h1n1-surge-in-delhi-ncr-hospitals-dipping-mercury-triggers-rise-in-high-bp-gastric-and-heart-emergencies-8740734.html

Covid-19 variant JN.1 has been detected in several cities in India from Kerala to Delhi. Here’re tips for children to avoid infection.

Amid the rapid spread of Covid-19 variant JN.1 globally, over 150 cases of the new strain have been detected in India across several cities. Covid JN.1 that has been designated as the variant of interest by WHO has a single mutation compared to Pirola or BA.2.86 variant and may be more transmissible or more adept at immune system evasion. While it’s not clear whether the existing vaccinations will provide full protection from this new sub-variant, vulnerable populations including children must follow preventive measures to prevent spread. From bringing back the masks to hygiene measures, it’s important for parents to educate kids about the virus and preventing its spread.

“As the world grapples with the emergence of the latest Covid-19 variant, JN.1, it becomes paramount to reinforce preventive measures, especially for children who may be more vulnerable. These proactive steps can play a crucial role in safeguarding their health amid the spike in cases,” says Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant – Infectious Disease, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

“To safeguard children from potential risks, it is advised to avoid crowded places and gatherings. Parents must be vigilant about involving children in group activities. Children aged two and above must wear masks when venturing outdoors. Additionally, the importance of regular hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections must not be undermined. In case of symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, loose stools, vomiting, headache, body ache, or limping, it is important to go for prompt consultation with a paediatrician for timely and accurate diagnosis and management,” says Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology & Paediatrics, CK Birla hospital Gurgaon.

TIPS TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM COVID JN.1 VARIANT
Following Covid-appropriate measures like washing hands with soap and water, social distancing, masking, and avoiding crowds must be followed in all sincerity in order to protect spread of Coronavirus in children. Schools must take required measures and ensure proper ventilation in their vicinity.

Frequent handwashing
“First and foremost, ensuring that children adhere to proper hygiene practices is essential. Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps reduce the risk of infection. Parents and guardians should also educate their children about the importance of avoiding touching their face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, to minimize the chances of virus transmission,” says Dr Panda.

Balanced diet and physical exercise
“The focus should be on home-based healthy food choices. This includes a balanced diet that supports children’s overall well-being. Furthermore, incorporating a small amount of physical exercise in the morning routine also helps. Even a brief activity like jumping for just two minutes can have a positive impact by releasing endorphins, which contribute to strengthening immunity,” says Dr Dubey.

Face masks
Dr Panda says it’s vital to consistently use face masks, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces. “Parents should ensure that children wear masks that fit snugly over their noses and mouths and teach them the proper way to put on and remove masks to avoid contamination,” says the expert.

Social distancing
Social distancing remains a key preventive measure. Encouraging children to maintain a safe distance from others, especially in school or public settings, can help mitigate the spread of the virus. Parents should discuss the significance of avoiding close contact, such as hugging or sharing personal items, to reinforce these habits, says Dr Panda.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/covid-variant-jn-1-spreading-fast-preventive-tips-for-children-101703847874979.html

Covid update: Gurugram has detected two more cases of the JN.1 variant, prompting the district magistrate to order hospitals to set up isolation wards.

With COVID-19 turning its head again, several states have urged people to follow coronavirus protocols. As of 26 December, the India has reported a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases in the country, Health Ministry sources said. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

Here are 10 latest updates you need to know
1. Gujarat records highest number of JN.1 variant cases

As per Health Ministry sources, with 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, as many as 36 cases were reported from Gujarat, 34 from Karnataka, 14 from Goa, 9 from Maharashtra, six from Kerala, four from Rajasthan, four from Tamil Nadu and two from Telangana, the sources said.

India has reported as many as 22 cases of the new Covid-19 variant JN.1 so far.

Former AIIMS director and senior pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria on Saturday said the new Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 is more transmissible but is not causing severe infections or hospitalisations. According to him, the variant is gradually becoming dominant.

“It is more transmissible, spreading more rapidly, and gradually becoming a dominant variant. It is causing more infections but the data also suggests that it is not causing severe infections or hospitalisations. Most of the symptoms are predominantly in the upper airways, like fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose, and body aches,” Dr Guleria told news agency ANI.

The JN.1 variant – a descendant of the Omicron virus – has been classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

According to India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora, there is no need for an additional dose of vaccine against JN.1 at present. “I would say prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses,” he said as quoted by ANI.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-jn-1-variant-spreading-more-rapidly-but-ex-aiims-director-101703377431163.html

India recorded 752 fresh Covid-19 infections and 4 related deaths in the last 24 hours increasing the tally of active cases to 2,997, according to the latest data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

The death toll was recorded at 5,33,332 with four new deaths, two from Kerala, one each in Rajasthan and Karnataka in 24 hours, according to the data updated at 8:00 am.

According to a TOI report, top officials in the Union Health Ministry said the government has no plans to issue any travel advisory or make testing mandatory at airports at this point.

Meanwhile, a total of 22 cases of the new JN.1 variant, which has caused a recent spike in Covid-19 cases across the world, have been detected in the country till December 21, official sources said.

However, officials said there have been no reports of clustering of cases till now, and all the cases of the JN.1 subvariant have mild symptoms.

HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE COVID SITUATION IN INDIA-

• Bihar government has directed all districts and hospitals in the state to increase COVID-19 RT-PCR testing with random testing of arrivals at Patna, Gaya and Darbhanga airports.
• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting on Friday in view of the recent hike in COVID-19 cases in the country.  Two cases of the JN.1 variant have been detected in the state so far, said Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Pratyay Amrit.
• Rajasthan Health Department formed a state-level team for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Six new cases and one death were reported in the state on Friday.
• A Jodhpur student has tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from Australia.
• The Karnataka government has also formed a cabinet sub-committee to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the state.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/covid-cases-india-jn-1-subvariant-bihar-rajasthan-karnataka-andhra-pradesh-kerala-latest-news-8714798.html

The Union Health Minister has directed states to monitor emerging strains, even as the country has reported the highest number of new cases since May 21.

Covid-19 cases are on the rise in India, with the country recording 614 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, prompting the Union Health Minister to direct states to monitor emerging strains. This is the highest number of new cases detected since May 21. The comes even 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant have been detected in Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra.

Maharashtra, apart from confirming one case of the JN.1 sub-variant, has also reported 14 new Covid-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/covid-19-updates-india-new-strains-coronavirus-9075970/

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, and Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, spoke exclusively to NDTV on the new Covid sub-variant and the path ahead.

Over a year-and-a-half after India witnessed the Omicron wave, two eminent health experts have sounded a warning over the increasing Covid-19 cases in India in the wake of the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron being detected in the country.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Wednesday, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, said 30% of all patients with influenza-like illnesses who were tested have turned out to be Covid positive in the Kochi region in a span of about 24 hours. He also said that Covid cases have spread into the community and that his neighbour has also tested positive.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist – who also spoke exclusively to NDTV – has cautioned against dismissing Covid as a common cold, not just because of the people who fall severely ill, but because of the disease’s long-term effects, including increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and mental health problems.

Both experts, however, emphasised that the variant, while more transmissible, may not cause a high number of hospitalisations, partly because of India’s high vaccination rate. Dr Swaminathan also pointed out that India’s health systems have come a long way from how they were during the first wave in 2020 and the deadlier Delta wave in 2021, and the country is well prepared to handle an uptick in cases.

Dr Swaminathan also listed out the precautions that people can take and stressed on the need for the elderly and those with poor immunity to start masking up.

Entered The Community?

According to official data, India has seen 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant so far – 19 in Goa and one each in Maharashtra and Kerala.

On the spread of Covid, Dr Jayadevan, who posted a chart on X illustrating the rise in cases since November, said, “Over the past month or so, the number of Covid cases has been creeping up. But, as you know, testing in our country is quite low, close to zero in many places for many reasons… But if you look at the statistics as I posted on the graph from September, October, November and December, there is a sharp uptick sometime in November.”

“Before November, it is only around 1% of influenza-like illnesses showing positive for Covid, which is practically zero. But, from November onwards, we have had about 9%. And, in December, after the meeting that concluded last night, it was 30%. And this data is from multiple hospitals in the (Kochi) region. So this shows that Covid is taking a greater share of what we call influenza-like illness, which basically means things like respiratory problems, breathing trouble, cough, fever and body ache,” the doctor added.

Dr Jayadevan said that while JN.1 is considered the fastest-rising variant, it does not necessarily mean more cases but that it is “dominating the Covid landscape”. He also pointed out that while cases are increasing, people are being able to treat the symptoms at home.

To a question on whether there is a community-wide spread of the JN.1 variant, the Covid Task Force co-chair said: “It is very much in the community. My neighbour has tested positive just this evening. So it is everywhere… But it is not causing a huge surge in hospitalisation. So that’s different.”

‘Waves of Infection’

When Dr Soumya Swaminathan was asked about 30% of pneumonia cases in Kochi hospitals turning out to be Covid positive and the likelihood of this being replicated in other parts of India, she said, “We’ve been through this many times before, as you know, over the last four years. This is what we expected and this is what the WHO had talked about. Even when WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus announced the end of the global public health emergency in May this year, he did say it is still a global health threat.”

“And that’s what we are seeing now. We’re seeing a new variant, the JN.1, which is a sub-variant of Omicron. So hopefully it behaves like Omicron, which was relatively mild. But what happens is that every new variant gets some properties of being more transmissible. It is able to evade or avoid the antibody responses that we already have in our system. And therefore it is able to create these waves of infection where it infects people who’ve already been infected before,” Dr Swaminathan added.

The former WHO chief scientist pointed out that the global health body has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest.

“Now, coming to India, as you mentioned, we’ve just started increasing the testing. So over the next few days, I think we will see more data coming from many states. Right now, it looks like a few states like Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, perhaps Tamil Nadu, they are reporting an uptick of cases and high positivity,” she said.

Symptoms, Time To Mask Up?

Dr Jayadevan said vaccines may have helped keep Covid at bay since the last wave, but a concern arises when a variant is markedly different.

“For example, JN.1 is not like a one-step ahead variant. This is a multi-step ahead variant. We call it the saltation event in genetics, which basically means a pile of mutations suddenly occurring at one go,” he said.

On masking up, the doctor advised, “I would say if you are trapped in a situation where it’s ventilated, closed, crowded, you feel the air is still and there are people around you, it’s safer to wear a mask. If you are travelling in a vehicle with multiple people who you don’t know, wear a mask or at least roll your windows down.”

He also recommended wearing a mask in closed spaces with many people, especially for those who are elderly and immunosuppressed.

Dr Swaminathan said the symptoms of the new variant are fever, cough, loss of smell and loss of taste. She also pointed to persistent high fever, breathing difficulties, fatigue, inability to eat and a tendency to vomit as the warning signs.

She recommended masking up in a crowded place if people are vulnerable to infections and also stressed that people who are sick should wear a mask to protect others. For the vulnerable population, she recommended using pulse oximeters.

Not A Common Cold

For people comparing the newer variants of Covid with the common cold, Dr Swaminathan had a warning: “It’s very different from the common cold, not just because of people getting severely ill with acute Covid pneumonia, but also because of the long-term effects of Covid.

“And I think we have enough data now from around the world to know that people who have suffered from Covid and, particularly those who have repeat infections, are more likely to get, for example, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia, depression, mental health problems, prolonged fatigue and muscle pain… inability to go back to their usual state of functioning,” she said.

Dr Swaminathan added, “This is the big difference between a common cold and Covid. So I would say let’s not take it lightly. If you can avoid the infection, much better to avoid it than to get it and risk the after-effects of long Covid.”

Spread Pattern

Dr Jayadevan said India is unlikely to witness a uniform spread. Pointing to the current cases of the new variant, he said, “Typically, Covid spreads in high travel zones, which are travel hubs, Kerala is a travel hub, so is Maharashtra, Mumbai area, Goa is a travel hub. We got 18 sequences of the JN.1 from Goa. So I would imagine it will spread in these zones first and then slowly trickle into the other areas as people travel more and more.”

Dr Swaminathan pointed out that by the time variants are detected, they are usually already spreading in the community.

“And so it’s likely that it’s everywhere; and the more we test, the more we’re going to find. In fact, wastewater surveillance being done in many countries suggests that this is going to become the dominant variant globally within the next week or so. So I think it is to be expected. I think what is important is for us to keep a close eye on what the clinical manifestations are. At the moment, it doesn’t appear that it’s causing any more severe illness than the previous Omicron variant,” she said.

Emphasising the need to stay prepared, she said, “However, I think what happens is if you get a thousand cases, there will be a percentage of people, even if it’s 1%, who get very ill, who are in in the hospital. If you get 1,00,000 cases, that many more people are going to get very ill and in the hospital, particularly those over the age of 65 and those who have other comorbidities.

“So it’s a good idea to be prepared, to take precautions so that we can at least protect those who are at highest risk of getting sick and prevent them from getting pneumonia and getting into the hospital,” she added.

Vaccines Working

Dr Jayadevan said India is a well-vaccinated country and uses different vaccines than in the West, so data from those countries may not directly apply.

On the need for boosters, Dr Swaminathan said, “From what we are seeing around the world, I think vaccines are still working. It is very remarkable that they are still providing a high degree of protection, especially against severe disease… But again, for those who are very old, for those who have poor immunity, there is a possibility that their immunity would have waned, that boosters might be needed at some point.”

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dr-soumya-swaminathan-jn-1-covid-variant-30-of-those-with-flu-like-illnesses-in-kochi-hospitals-are-covid-positive-top-expert-4712147

The new strain of Covid-19 was found in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala on December 8. All you want to know about JN.1 symptoms and prevention.

After Pirola, its descendant JN.1 is in news post being detected in US, China and now India. The new strain with a single mutation in spike protein compared to Pirola or BA.2.86, was found in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala on December 8. JN. 1 isn’t very different from previous Omicron strains with high transmissibility and mild symptoms, yet preventive measures are important as vulnerable populations may always be at risk. Fever, runny nose, sore throat, gastro are among the symptoms that are being associated with this strain. (Also read: China detects seven cases of new Covid-19 subvariant JN.1. What are the symptoms?)

While JN.1 was first detected in USA in September, in China 7 cases were found on December 15 which has led to concern about its spread. Center of Disease Control and Prevention warned that the fresh cases of Covid-19 and influenza may affect America’s health care system. The new Covid variant JN.1 is now making up an increasing share of cases, the CDC’s tracking shows.

Covid’s JN.1 strain in India
“The JN.1 strain of coronavirus has recently been detected in Kerala. The case was detected in an RT-PCR-positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state on December 8. The 79-year-old woman had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered from Covid. The sub-variant — first identified in Luxembourg — is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86) which itself is a descendant of Omicron sub variant. It contains mutation in the spike protein, that may contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion. The spike protein plays a crucial role in helping the virus infect people. Because of this, the spike protein is also part of a virus that vaccines target, meaning vaccines should work against JN.1,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/covid-variant-jn-1-in-kerala-symptoms-to-prevention-tips-all-you-want-to-know-101702821991216.html

India on Sunday registered 335 fresh Covid-19 cases and five deaths, of which four were in Kerala and one in Uttar Pradesh, the Union Health Ministry said. The number of active cases rose to 1,701.

India on Sunday logged 335 fresh Covid-19 infections and the number of active cases rose to 1,701, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Five deaths were reported — four alone in Kerala, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 was detected, and one in Uttar Pradesh, the Health Ministry data showed. The total Covid caseload in the country stood at 4.50 crore (4,50,04,816).

The number of people who recovered from the infection increased to 4.46 crore (4,44,69,799). The national recovery rate was pegged at 98.81 per cent, the Health Ministry said.

So far, 5,33,316 people have died due to Covid-19 and the case fatality rate stood at 1.19 per cent.

According to the ministry’s website, 220.67 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far.

COVID SUB-VARIANT JN.1 IN KERALA
A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been detected in a 79-year-old woman from Kerala as part of an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a senior official from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday (December 16).

The case was detected in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state on December 8, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, said.

The sample had tested RT-PCR positive on November 18, he added. The woman had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered from Covid-19.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/india-covid-19-cases-kerala-sub-variant-total-vaccine-active-caseload-2477197-2023-12-18?utm_source=directhp&utm_medium=clicktopstories&utm_campaign=hptopstories

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for strong surveillance and sequence sharing as the virus evolves and new COVID sub-variants emerge.

In the wake of the surge in respiratory diseases and new JN.1 COVID sub-variant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the virus is evolving and changing and urged the member states to continue with strong surveillance and sequence sharing.

The global body also shared a video of its COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, who explained the reason for the recent surges and what precautions can be taken.

“Dr @mvankerkhove talks about the current surge in respiratory diseases #COVID19 and JN.1 subvariant. WHO continues to assess the situation. Follow WHO’s public health advice to keep your families and friends safe during this holiday season,” WHO posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Maria Van Kerkhove also took to the social media platform and said that a number of pathogens have led to the rise in respiratory diseases across the world.

“Respiratory diseases are increasing around the world due to a number of pathogens incl #COVID19, #flu, rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia & othersSARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve. JN.1 (subvariant of BA.2.86) is already a VOI and continues to increase in circulation,” she stated.

In the video message, Kerkhove said that the recent surge in respiratory infections is due to multiple reasons, including increased gatherings during the holiday season and other infections.

“It’s not just COVID-19 that’s circulating; we have influenza, other viruses, and bacteria. In other parts of the world, we are entering the winter months, and people are starting to gather for the holiday season. And as people gather, they spend more time indoors, especially if there is poor ventilation. These pathogens that spread efficiently between people and through the air will take advantage,” she said.

She further explained that the rise in COVID cases is because the virus is evolving, adding that 68 per cent of the current cases are cases of XBB sublineages and other groupings like JN.1.

“Covid-19 is one of the diseases that is currently on the rise, and this is again due to a number of factors; the virus SARS-Cov-2 is evolving, changing, and circulating in all countries,” Kerkhove said.

She added, “In some countries, we have these XBB sublineages, and they represent around 68 per cent or so of the sequences that are shared globally. The other grouping is BA.2.86, most notably JN.1 which causes the full spectrum, everything from asymptomatic infection. All the way to severe disease and death, similar to what we have seen with other Omicron sublineages.”

The WHO expert urged the member states to continue with strong surveillance and sequence sharing so that proper steps can be taken to “potentially modify” the advice for the world.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/covid-is-on-the-rise-as-who-alerts-virus-still-changing-evolving-as-jn-1-subvariant-cases-surges-11702865050415.html

The new Covid variant JN.1 has sparked concern among scientists due to its rapid growth rate and large number of mutations. What are the symptoms?

A new Covid variant is spreading fast in the US, and it’s “highly contagious”, a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases has warned.

New variant JN.1 is a heavily mutated new strain and is now the fastest-growing variant in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The variant currently accounts for more than one-fifth of all infections in the US.

And while the HV.1 sub variant is the dominant strain right now, JN.1 is not far behind.

HV.1 accounted for 30 percent of Covid cases in the US during the two week period ending on December 9, according to the CDC, and JN.1 made up about 21 percent.

The JN.1 strain has sparked concern among scientists due to its rapid growth rate and large number of mutations.

Scientists have said the variant is a direct offshoot of BA.2.86, also known as “Pirola,” which hit the US over the summer.

All of the most dominant Covid variants currently in the US are descendants of Omicron, which began in late 2021.

Some doctors are concerned JN.1 could cause a Covid surge as the US enters the winter season and respiratory virus cases rise.

First detected in September 2023, JN.1 is part of the Omicron family and has been detected in at least 12 countries so far, including the US, according to the CDC.

It is unclear whether JN.1 causes symptoms different from other variants, according to the CDC, but its symptoms seem to be similar to those caused by other strains.

These symptoms include: sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, and a loss of sense of taste or smell.

The severity of a person’s symptoms usually depends on their underlying health and immunity.

Source: https://www.the-express.com/news/health/121605/covid-variant-symptoms-coronavirus-jn-1-2023

The Ministry of Health says it has been working with hospitals on contingency measures such as ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent elective surgeries.

As Singapore’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it “strongly encourages” people to wear a mask in crowded places even if they are not ill, especially indoors or when visiting vulnerable people.

The ministry said on Friday (Dec 15) that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases from Dec 3 to 9 increased to 56,043, a 75 per cent jump compared with 32,035 cases in the previous week.

The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 225 to 350. The average daily cases in the intensive care unit rose from four to nine.

The vast majority of cases are infected by the JN.1 variant, a sublineage of BA.2.86.

“Based on the available international and local data, there is currently no clear indication that BA.2.86 or JN.1 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants,” MOH said in a media release.

Urging the public to exercise personal and social responsibility, the ministry said people who are unwell with acute respiratory infection symptoms should stay at home and avoid contact with others.

It added that those who are travelling should wear a mask at the airport, purchase travel insurance and avoid crowded areas with poor ventilation.

“We urge the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s emergency department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies,” stressed the ministry.

“This will preserve our hospital capacity for patients who truly need acute hospital care and allow those with severe illness to receive timely treatment.”

MEASURES TO MANAGE HEALTHCARE CAPACITY
The Health Ministry said it has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, such as ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent elective surgeries to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care.

“In addition, hospitals are tapping on step-down facilities like Transitional Care Facilities and alternative care models like Mobile Inpatient Care@Home (MIC@Home) to ensure proper right-siting of patients,” MOH said.

A second COVID-19 Treatment Facility will open this weekend at Singapore EXPO Hall 10, augmenting capacity at the existing facility at Crawfurd Hospital.

Together, they will be able to care for more than 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care.

“If the need arises, the CTF (COVID-19 Treatment Facility) capacity at EXPO can be further increased,” said MOH.

MOH WEBSITE TO BE UPDATED DAILY
From Dec 19, MOH will update its estimated COVID-19 case count daily on its website instead of on a weekly basis to provide the latest information during this period of rising infections.

It noted that as COVID-19 testing is no longer routinely required in DORSCON Green, the number of reported infections is expected to under-represent the actual situation.

Singapore moved its pandemic response down to code green on Feb 13, the lowest level under its four-tier Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) framework.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-wear-mask-crowded-places-moh-cases-rise-3991906

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the parliament that two doses of a vaccine lowered the odds of unexplained sudden death, whereas a single dose did not.

To ascertain the facts regarding the apprehension of a rising number of cardiac arrest cases after Covid, the ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) conducted a study titled ‘Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India — A multicentric matched case-control study‘ at 47 tertiary-care hospitals located across 19 states and Union territories from May to August.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/covid-vaccination-didnt-increase-risk-of-unexplained-sudden-death-among-young-adults-govt-2803053

Americans are urged to be careful this year as the highly-mutated “Pirola” Covid variant spreads alongside other respiratory viruses.

Masking up is recommended for those who are sick and want to take precautions amid rising respiratory illnesses this winter, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC Director Mandy Cohen released a video on Wednesday about how to be careful this year as the highly-mutated “Pirola” Covid variant spreads alongside other respiratory viruses in the US.

Cohen said that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are “elevated” this season, with Covid and pneumonia cases especially on the rise.

There has been a 1.2 percent increase in Covid test positivity in the most recent week, and a 10 percent increase in hospital admissions, according to the CDC.

The CDC’s mask wearing guidance on their Use and Care of Masks page states: “People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public.”

The CDC recommends that people take additional precautions to protect themselves against viruses, like getting the Covid vaccine, the flu vaccine, and the RSV vaccine for those over the age of 60.

Cohen said other layers of protection include washing your hands, improving ventilation, and wearing a mask.

Masking recommendations eased up over the summer, but the CDC seems to be tightening guidance on mask wearing this winter as viruses spread.

In May, the CDC advised healthcare facilities to take a risk-based approach to universal masking.

Source: https://www.the-express.com/news/health/120767/covid-warning-masks-cases-rise-cdc

China’s surge in respiratory illness is caused by known pathogens and there is no sign of new infectious diseases, a health official said on Saturday as the country faces its first full winter since lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions.

The spike in illness in the country where COVID emerged in late 2019 attracted the spotlight when the World Health Organization sought information last week, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children.

Chinese authorities will open more paediatric outpatient clinics, seek to ensure more elderly people and children receive flu vaccines and encourage people to wear masks and wash their hands, Mi Feng, an official with China’s National Health Commission, told a press conference.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/no-new-infectious-diseases-found-investigations-chinas-national-health-2023-12-02/

Amid the increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China, the Union Health Ministry on Friday said it is closely monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in the neighbouring country.

“There is a low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness. India is prepared for any difficulty that may emerge from the current situation,” the ministry said in a statement.

Sources in the ministry said, “What we have accessed is that It’s a cocktail of viruses that is leading to a surge in China. It is not a zoonotic virus-like coronavirus.”

The statement came after media reported that Chinese hospitals have been “overwhelmed with sick children” as an outbreak of pneumonia escalates in cities across the country, including Beijing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sought detailed reports from China on increased respiratory illnesses among children.

H9N2 OUTBREAK IN CHINA: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
Based on the currently available information, an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China has been reported in the last few weeks. The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations.

A meeting was recently held under the Chairmanship of DGHS to discuss the preparedness measures against human cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO.

IS H9N2 VIRUS RISKY?
The overall risk assessment by WHO indicates a low probability of human-to-human spread and a low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far.

The need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors and improving coordination was recognised.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/india-closely-monitoring-pneumonia-outbreak-as-chinese-hospitals-filled-with-sick-children-8674951.html

WASHINGTON – Nearly a year after Congress forced the Pentagon to rescind its mandate requiring all troops to receive the coronavirus vaccine, 19 soldiers have rejoined the Army after they were discharged for refusing the shot, The Post has exclusively learned.

The news comes after the service sent a letter earlier this month inviting former soldiers who declined the jab to apply to rejoin as the military faces recruitment challenges.

Last week, the service notified vaccine-related discharged soldiers they could contact their local recruitment office for information on reapplying to the Army.

“As part of the overall COVID mandate rescission process mandated by Congress, the Army this month mailed the letters to approximately 1,900 individuals who had previously been separated,” Army spokesman Bryce Dubee told The Post.

Those who refused the vaccine and did not receive an exemption were booted from the military for violating a lawful order.

In the Army alone, 1,903 soldiers were discharged under those conditions.

But now that the mandate has been rescinded, the Army is welcoming back unvaccinated soldiers – so long as they meet certain requirements.

While The Post was unable to find a clear-cut list of standards for acceptance back into the service, defense officials say applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis.

For example, a soldier who quietly and politely declined the vaccine is more likely to be allowed to return to the ranks than one who became openly defiant and acted out against their superiors.

Though just 19 of the 1,903 discharged soldiers have gone back to active duty, the Army expects that number to grow following the letter’s circulation.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/11/22/news/army-invites-back-soldiers-discharged-for-refusing-covid-vaccine/

China’s state-run Global Times on Friday quoted epidemiologists who claimed the surge of pneumonia, influenza, bacterial infections, and coronavirus cases was not too far out of line with projections for China’s autumn and winter sick seasons, although their comments implied influenza infections severe enough to require hospital visits were picking up steam a little earlier than usual in the southern provinces.

that “Covid-19 still exists and is still spreading,” but it no longer seems to “cause severe cases or lead to many deaths.” Only about eight percent of current coronavirus patients are presenting with symptoms of pneumonia.

The big concern at China’s hospitals this season is mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), a bacterial lung infection that is usually mild, but can weaken the patient’s immune system and increase their risk of contracting severe influenza. Chinese school-age children are especially prone to contracting MPP.

This prompted health officials to issue early public advisories to “take precautions in a timely manner,” including the return of sanitary masks. The Global Times described the mask warnings as “advisories” at present, rather than compulsory mandates. Masks are especially encouraged in areas where children and the elderly tend to congregate, such as schools and medical facilities.

Source : https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2023/11/06/china-begins-imposing-masks-again-as-coronavirus-cases-rise

Underlying health issue, unhealthy lifestyle prominent reasons for heart attacks, says ICMR findings

Covid vaccination wasn’t the risk factor that increased the cases of sudden cardiac arrest among the younger population, revealed a multi-centric matched case-control study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to investigate the factors contributing to unexplained deaths among healthy young adults.

The findings are yet to be peer-reviewed and published. As per the study titled ‘Factors associated with sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 in India’, underlying health issues and unhealthy lifestyle are more prominent reasons for heart attacks, especially among youth.

The eye-opening insights were detailed in a pre-review summary. A senior ICMR official said that as per the study, Covid vaccination, in fact, reduced the risk of sudden deaths among adults. “The factors that did increase the chances of sudden death include a family history of sudden death, hospitalisation for Covid, and certain behaviors such as binge drinking and intense physical activity shortly before death,” explained the official.

Soaring cases of heart attacks

Last week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya cautioned that young individuals, who have previously experienced a severe episode of Covid, should refrain from strenuous physical activity for a period of one to two years to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Moreover, there have been multiple heart-related deaths in Gujarat during the Navratri festivities. “The ICMR – India’s apex health research agency – has done a detailed study on possible Covid link with the sudden unexplained deaths and advised that those who had recovered from severe Covid infection should desist from extra labour,” the minister had said.

The study includes cases and controls with cases were the apparently healthy individuals aged 18-45 with no underlying health issues, who died suddenly due to unexplained causes between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023. For each case, four matched controls were selected based on age, gender, and locality. Investigators enrolled 729 cases and 2,916 controls. They collected information from both the cases and controls about their medical history, behaviours like smoking, alcohol consumption, and intense physical activity, whether they had been in the hospital because of the pandemic, and if they had received Covid doses.

Commenting on the findings, SL Raheja Hospital consultant Dr Sanjith Saseedharan said that these results are quite different from the western world. In this study, the major reasons for sudden cardiac death can still be attributed to the usual causes which include smoking, alcohol consumption and intense physical activity. This again puts forth the important fact that studies from the West and those from India are likely to have differing outcomes and results. This may be due to the fact that Indians have a completely different genetic makeup and very different dietary habits as compared to the West, he said.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/covid-vaccine-not-behind-sudden-deaths-among-youth-report

The COVID-19 treatments millions of Americans have taken for free from the federal government will enter the private market next week with a hefty price tag.

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is setting the price for a five-day treatment of Paxlovid at $1,390, but Americans can still access the pills at no cost — for now. The less commonly used COVID-19 treatment Lagevrio, manufactured by Merck, also will hit the market next week.

Millions of free, taxpayer-funded courses of the pills will remain at pharmacies, hospitals and doctor’s offices across the country, U.S. Health and Human Services officials said Friday. People on private insurance may start to notice copays for the treatments once their pharmacy or doctor’s office runs out of the COVID-19 treatments they received from the government.

The U.S. government initially inked a deal with Pfizer to pay more than $5 billion for 10 million courses of Paxlovid in 2021.

Under a new agreement, reached last month between Pfizer and the federal government, people on Medicaid, Medicare or those who are without medical insurance will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for the treatment through the end of next year. Pfizer will also offer copay assistance for the treatment through 2028. The Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and Indian Health Service will still be able to access Paxlovid the government has on hand. The government will also get 1 million treatment courses to keep in its stockpile.

Suppliers to pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals can begin ordering the treatments from the drug companies starting next week.

“Pfizer is committed to a smooth commercial transition and is working collaboratively with the U.S. government and health care stakeholders to ensure broad and equitable access to this important medicine for all eligible patients,” the company said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/covid19-paxlovid-treatment-coronavirus-drugs-5ea6124208e915382c40303bd6d749ef

Dr. Anthony Fauci became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of millions of Americans turned to the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health for guidance on how to stay safe. Even though Dr. Fauci helped steer the United States’ response during the coronavirus nightmare, the good doctor claims there’s something new that’s keeping him up at night.

In a recent article published in Science Translational Medicine, Dr. Fauci, who served as NIAID director for nearly four decades, reflected on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 crisis and offered more guidance on better preparing for future pandemics. He began by recounting a pivotal moment in January 2020 when the emergence of a virus he had long feared led to a global pandemic.

Addressing what he terms a new “nemesis” – the lack of “corporate memory” – Dr. Fauci highlights the importance of preserving the lessons from COVID-19 to ensure readiness for future outbreaks.

He categorizes these lessons into two “buckets”: the public health bucket and the scientific bucket.

“If there is a success story embedded in the COVID-19 saga, it is in the arena of basic, translational, and clinical science— the scientific bucket,” writes Dr. Fauci in a media release.

He attributes this success to decades of investment in basic research, acknowledging the groundbreaking discoveries of Dr. Drew Weissman and Dr. Katalin Kariko, whose work laid the foundation for the development of highly effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Both scientists were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for their contributions.

In the realm of scientific research, Dr. Fauci also outlines a potential path forward involving prototype pathogen research to enhance preparedness for future threats.

However, he also candidly addresses the shortcomings in the public health response during the pandemic. These failures, Dr. Fauci asserts, belong in the “public health bucket.” Key challenges highlighted include institutional weaknesses, insufficient coordination between state and federal governments, supply chain disruptions, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.

Source : https://studyfinds.org/dr-fauci-covid-pandemic

A person’s immune response to variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, depends on their previous exposure – and differences in the focus of immune responses will help scientists understand how to optimise vaccines in the future to provide broad protection.

A new study has found that people differ in how vulnerable they are to different mutations in emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.

This is because the variant of SARS-CoV-2 a person was first exposed to determines how well their immune system responds to different parts of the virus, and how protected they are against other variants.

It also means that the same COVID-19 vaccine might work differently for different people, depending on which variants of SARS-CoV-2 they have previously been exposed to and where their immune response has focused.

The discovery underlies the importance of continuing surveillance programmes to detect the emergence of new variants, and to understand differences in immunity to SARS-CoV-2 across the population.

It will also be important for future vaccination strategies, which must consider both the virus variant a vaccine contains and how immune responses of the population may differ in their response to it.

“It was a surprise how much of a difference we saw in the focus of immune responses of different people to SARS-CoV-2. Their immune responses appear to target different specific regions of the virus, depending on which variant their body had encountered first,” said Dr Samuel Wilks at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Pathogen Evolution in the Department of Zoology, first author of the report.

He added: “Our results mean that if the virus mutates in a specific region, some people’s immune system will not recognize the virus as well – so it could make them ill, while others may still have good protection against it.”

The research, published today in the journal Science, involved a large-scale collaboration across ten research institutes including the University of Cambridge and produced a comprehensive snapshot of early global population immunity to COVID-19.

Researchers collected 207 serum samples – extracted from blood samples – from people who had either been infected naturally with one of the many previously circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, or who had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 with different numbers of doses of the Moderna vaccine.

They then analysed the immunity these people had developed, and found significant differences between immune responses depending on which variant a person had been infected with first.

“These results give us a deep understanding of how we might optimise the design of COVID-19 booster vaccines in the future,” said Professor Derek Smith, Director of the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Pathogen Evolution in the Department of Zoology, senior author of the report.

He added: “We want to know the key virus variants to use in vaccines to best protect people in the future.”

The research used a technique called ‘antigenic cartography’ to compare the similarity of different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This measures how well human antibodies, formed in response to infection with one virus, respond to infection with a variant of that virus. It shows whether the virus has changed enough to escape the human immune response and cause disease.

Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/vulnerability-to-different-covid-19-mutations-depends-on-previous-infections-and-vaccination-study

Scientists predict more coronavirus pandemics as world recovers from COVID-19. 20 coronaviruses likely to infect humans.

Scientists have heralded the possibility of fresh coronavirus borne pandemics as the world recovers from COVID-19. Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli – better known as ‘Batwoman’ for her work – has predicted the possibility of several coronaviruses jumping the species barrier to infect human beings in coming years. The Wuhan-based researcher had previously made waves as the ‘lab-leak’ COVID-19 origin theory gained momentum.

As per a research paper published earlier this year, there are 20 types of coronaviruses that are “highly likely” to start infecting human beings at some point. Only eight of the hundreds of known coronavirus types can currently infect humans – including SARS and SARS-CoV-2.

“It is well known that there were eight humans CoV diseases. In an analysis of the host range, number of virus and year of emerging, we found six of them are in our high-risk viral lists…A particular attention should be paid to alphaCoV1 and betaCoV1. Both viral species were widely carried by domestic animals or pet animals,” reads an excerpt from the research conclusions.

Shi and her colleagues assessed 40 coronaviruses and their potential to infect humans for the research paper titled ‘Assessment and sero-diagnosis for coronaviruses with risk of human spillover’.

In total, the team classified half of the 40 coronavirus species under the category of “highly risky” after evaluating the possibility of human spillover. There is evidence that three more of these caused disease or infected other animal species, and six of them are previously known to have caused diseases that affected people.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/more-pandemics-ahead-wuhan-batwoman-says-20-coronaviruses-have-high-risk-of-human-outbreaks-11695653253693.html

Scans of long COVID patients show a third have multiple organ injuries months after leaving hospital, a new study shows.

A third of long COVID patients sustained damage to multiple organs five months after infection, a study has found.

Scans of patients who were treated in hospital for COVID-19 showed higher rates of damage to the lungs, brain and kidneys compared with the non-COVID control group.

Lung injuries were almost 14 times higher among long COVID patients, while abnormal findings involving the brain and kidneys were three and two times higher respectively.

How badly the organs were affected was often affected by the severity of their infection, their age and other comorbidities.

Study lead Dr Betty Raman said people who had more than two organs affected were “four times more likely to report severe and very severe mental and physical impairment”.

Tanysha Dissanayake, a former tennis prodigy forced into retirement by long COVID, told Sky News she was pleased people were starting to understand “the true horrible nature of this illness”.

“I have also had issues with multiple organs such as heart, liver, lungs and uterus, all stemming from long COVID,” she said.

“I’m glad people are starting to take it all seriously.”

Dr Margaret O’Hara, a founding trustee of Long Covid Support, said the results confirm evidence that COVID causes damage to a large number of organs and systems in the body.

“It is abundantly clear now that it is not simply a respiratory virus and that it is causing long term harm to the health of individuals throughout the population, including the huge numbers of people who were not hospitalised in the acute phase of infection,” she said.

The findings, based on analysis of more than 250 patients who had COVID hospital treatment, are part of the C-MORE (Capturing the MultiORgan Effects of COVID-19) study and were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/long-covid-can-cause-long-term-damage-to-multiple-organs-study-finds-12967123

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are coming soon, just in time to pair them with flu shots. And this fall, the first vaccines for another scary virus called RSV are rolling out to older adults and pregnant women.

Doctors hope enough people get vaccinated to help avert another “tripledemic” like last year when hospitals were overwhelmed with an early flu season, an onslaught of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and yet another winter coronavirus surge.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have been steadily increasing since late summer, although not nearly as much as this time last year, and RSV already is on the rise in parts of the Southeast.

Approval of updated COVID-19 shots is expected within days. They are among the tools the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says will help put the U.S. in “our strongest position yet” to avoid another chaotic respiratory season.

“There will be a lot of virus this winter. That’s why we want to get ahead of it,” CDC chief Dr. Mandy Cohen said.

Here is what you need to know about fall vaccinations:

WHY MORE COVID-19 SHOTS?

The ever-evolving coronavirus isn’t going away. Similar to how flu shots are updated each year, the Food and Drug Administration gave COVID-19 vaccine makers a new recipe for this fall.

The updated shots have a single target, an omicron descendant named XBB.1.5. It’s a big change. The COVID-19 vaccines offered since last year are combination shots targeting the original coronavirus strain and a much earlier omicron version, making them very outdated.

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax all have brewed new supplies.

The FDA will soon decide if each company has met safety, effectiveness and quality standards. Then the CDC must sign off before vaccinations begin. A CDC advisory panel is set to meet Tuesday to make recommendations on how best to use the latest shots.

Earlier this month, European regulators authorized Pfizer’s updated vaccine for this fall, for adults and children as young as 6 months.

WILL THEY BE EFFECTIVE ENOUGH?
Health officials are optimistic, barring a new mutant.

As expected, XBB.1.5 has faded away in the months it took to tweak the vaccine. Today, there is a soup of different coronavirus variants causing illness and the most common ones are fairly close relatives. Recent lab testing from vaccine makers and other research groups suggest the updated shots will offer crossover protection.

Earlier vaccinations or infections have continued to help prevent severe disease and death but protection wanes over time, especially against milder infections as the virus continually evolves. While the FDA did allow seniors and others at high risk to get an extra booster dose last spring, most Americans haven’t had a vaccination in about a year.

“The best thing people can do to maintain a normal way of life is to continue to get their booster shots,” said Duke University vaccine expert David Montefiori.

WHO ALSO NEEDS A FLU VACCINE?
The CDC urges a yearly flu shot for pretty much everyone ages 6 months and up. The best time is by the end of October.

Like with COVID-19, influenza can be especially dangerous to certain groups including the very young, older people and those with weak immune systems and lung or heart disease.

There are multiple kinds of flu vaccines to choose from, including a nasal spray version for certain younger people. More important, there are three shots specifically recommended for seniors to choose from because they are proven to do a better job revving up an older adult’s immune system.

CAN I GET A FLU SHOT AND COVID-19 SHOT AT THE SAME TIME?
Yes.

The CDC says there is no difference in effectiveness or side effects if people get those vaccines simultaneously, although one in each arm might be more comfortable.

WHAT IS THIS NEW RSV VACCINE?
RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most people, and not as well-known as the flu. But RSV packs hospitals every winter and can be deadly for children under 5, the elderly and people with certain high-risk health problems. Most notorious for inflaming babies’ tiny airways, leaving them wheezing, it’s also a common cause of pneumonia in seniors.

RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are approved for adults 60 and older. The CDC is advising seniors to ask their doctor if they should get the one-dose shot.

The FDA also has approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given late in pregnancy so moms-to-be pass the protection to their newborns. CDC recommendations on that use are expected later this month.

Also still to come: advice on whether RSV vaccines should be given together with flu and COVID-19 shots.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/covid-flu-rsv-vaccines-tripledemic-2a55728638c1c0879ce58deeeb0196bf

As the new Covid-19 sub-variant ‘Eris’ spreads fast in the UK, there are concerns as to whether a fresh Covid wave can be caused in India and other countries. The World Health Organisation has urged the countries to not let their guard down. However, many experts in India say that it is unlikely that the new variant will cause any major harm to the Indian population.

The WHO has advised the countries to stay alert and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

One in seven new cases of Covid-19

“EG.5.1 was first raised as a signal in monitoring on July 3, 2023, as part of horizon scanning due to increasing reports internationally, particularly in Asia,” the UKHSA said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/who-sounds-alarm-over-new-covid-wave-in-the-uk-should-india-be-concerned-about-the-fast-spreading-eris-article-102488582

Scientists discover the ‘most mutated Covid variant ever’ lurking in a patient in Indonesia

Strain has over 110 mutations, double that of Omicron which took over the world

A Covid variant seen in Indonesia might be the most mutated version of the virus ever recorded, scientists think.

The morphed version of Delta — collected from a patient swab in Jakarta — has 113 unique mutations.

Thirty-seven of the alterations affect the spike protein, which the coronavirus uses to latch onto humans.

For comparison, Omicron carries around 50 mutations.

Virus-trackers brandished the unnamed strain the ‘most extreme’ they’ve ever seen.

But there is no proof it will take off. And, even if it did, top experts insist it would not bounce the world into needing any sort of lockdown.

The new virus, submitted to a global Covid genomics database at the start of July, is believed to be spawned by a case of chronic infection.

This is where a single patient, instead of beating the virus in a few weeks, suffers an extended infection that can last months

So-called chronic infections usually occur in patients with a compromised immune system, such as those with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, which renders them less able to successfully fight off the virus.

Such infections worry scientists because it creates the perfect conditions for Covid to mutate, potentially allowing it to trick its way past the body’s defences.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12348313/Scientists-discover-mutated-Covid-variant-lurking-patient-Indonesia.html

The head of the World Health Organization warned that the world must prepare for the next pandemic, which could be “even deadlier” than the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a meeting of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sounded an alarm that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

“The threat of another variant emerging that causes new surges of disease and death remains,” Tedros said. “And the threat of another pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential remains.”

However, the WHO recently declared that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a health emergency.

“When the next pandemic comes knocking — and it will — we must be ready to answer decisively, collectively and equitably,” he added.

“We cannot kick this can down the road,” Tedros said in an address to the WHO’s member states. “If we do not make the changes that must be made, then who will? And if we do not make them now, then when?”

Despite issuing these dire warnings, Tedros applauded the recent decision by WHO member states to draft a pandemic treaty while also approving a budget increase, which was approved after the organization made a commitment to budget and finance reforms, according to Reuters.

Tedros also called for updated negotiations on the International Health Regulations, the treaty outlining preparedness and responses to health crises, “so the world will never again have to face the devastation of a pandemic like COVID-19.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has to date killed almost 7 million people worldwide, according to the WHO, with almost 1.13 million deaths in the United States.

More than 80,000 people died of coronavirus infection in New York alone.

The WHO has identified “priority” contagious diseases — these are likely to cause the next pandemic because of their potential to spread across a region and because there are few, if any, measures in place to counter their spread.

These diseases include Ebola, Marburg, Middle East respiratory syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome, COVID-19, Zika and — perhaps most terrifying — something called “Disease X.”

Disease X is the WHO code for a disease caused by a germ that hasn’t even been discovered yet.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/05/23/pandemic-even-deadlier-than-covid-is-coming-warns-who/

A man in his 30s has died and seven other people have been injured after police were called to reports of someone with a knife in Cornwall.

Officers were called to the area of Victoria Square on Castle Canyke Road, Bodmin, at 3.15am on Sunday following a report that a number of people had been stabbed.

A 24-year-old man from Bodmin has been arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, from Devon and Cornwall Police’s major crime investigation team, said: “At this time we are treating this as an isolated matter and we are not seeking anyone else…

“This is a live and active police investigation, and I would urge people not to speculate on social media but if you have information which may assist us, please report it.”

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/one-man-dies-and-seven-others-are-hurt-after-report-of-stabbings-in-cornwall-12870092

India has reported a huge downfall in daily Covid-19 cases as the country logged 10,112 fresh coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

With this, the country’s active caseload has gone up to 67, 806.

The health ministry data shows that a total of 4,42,92,854 persons have been recovered from the coronavirus infection, while 5,31,329 people have recovered from Covid-19 since the pandemic began in India.

With the uptick in the trend of Covid cases, scientists said that XBB.1.16 is the Covid-19 variant responsible for the present surge in Covid cases. However, scientists say that people in India have developed hybrid immunity (due to vaccination and natural infection).

Therefore, the present Covid-19 variants will not cause a lot of hospitalization and severity as it is mild in nature. However, the government has suggested people wear masks in crowded places and complete their vaccination doses if not done yet.

Meanwhile, the union health ministry directed the state and union territory governments to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection.

The health ministry advised the state governments to examine the situation of Covid-19 at a micro level (district and sub-districts) and maintain focus on the implementation of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of Covid-19 duly ensuring effective compliance.

The government has asked the states to follow the strategy of testing, tracking, treating, and vaccinating.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has also written to eight states, witnessing rising numbers of covid-19 cases, to boost surveillance measures and improve hospital infrastructure.

In a letter to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Haryana, Bhushan emphasized that the pandemic was far from over and that controlling the spread of infection was crucial.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Apr 18) warned the COVID-19 pandemic was still volatile, saying there could be further trouble before the virus settles into a predictable pattern.

In the last 28 days, more than 23,000 deaths and three million new cases have been reported to the WHO, in the context of much-reduced testing.

While the numbers are decreasing, “that’s still a lot of people dying and that’s still a lot of people getting sick”, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told a press conference.

He said respiratory viruses do not pass from a pandemic to an endemic phase, but instead move to low levels of activity with potentially seasonal epidemic peaks.

“We don’t turn off a pandemic switch,” said Ryan.

“It’s much more likely that we’re going to see … a bumpy road to a more predictable pattern.”

The WHO’s emergency committee on COVID-19 meets every three months and is due to assemble in early May.

Despite the ongoing rise in daily cases, experts believe that Covid-19 in India is moving towards the endemic stage and infections will come down in the coming 10-12 days.

Maharashtra on Wednesday reported over 1,000 fresh cases of Coronavirus and nine deaths, with cities like Mumbai and Pune remaining the worst-hit. The state reported a whopping 1,115 new infections, taking the number of active cases to 5,421 with the highest 1,577 cases in Mumbai, followed by 953 in Thane, 776 in Pune, and 548 in Nagpur.

Of the nine Covid-related deaths reported, five were from Mumbai circle and two each from Mumbai and Thane and one in Vasai-Virar town, plus three in Pune city and one in Akola.

From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the state’s cumulative total has shot up to 81,52,291 cases and 1,48,470 deaths, both highest in the country.

COVID CASES IN DELHI

The national capital, too, reported over 1,000 fresh cases of Coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the Delhi government health bulletin stated. The positivity rate stands at 23.8 per cent. The city logged 1,149 new Covid cases, 664 recoveries and one death in the last 24 hours.

The total number of deaths now stands at 26,546. Between March 30 and April 11, the capital has recorded 17 fatalities, including four deaths on Sunday.

Delhi logged 980 fresh COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with a positivity rate of 25.98 per cent, meaning one in every four people tested returned a positive result, according to data shared by the city government’s Health department.
The national capital also reported two more Covid deaths, the bulletin said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-reports-980-fresh-covid-cases-positivity-rate-nearly-26-percent-3939679

India has registered 7,830 new cases in the last 24 hours with the active cases at 40,215.

India’s active caseload has jumped to 40,215 with 7,830 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. As the country witnessed a surge in cases, mock drills were conducted across hospitals in Delhi to tackle the surge.

The mock drill conducted on Tuesday was part of a nationwide exercise to take stock of the hospitals’ preparedness to tackle the surge in Covid cases. Officials had already announced that both public and private facilities are expected to participate in the exercise conducted on April 10 and 11.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital here on Monday to review the measures taken to combat the disease.

At Delhi government-run hospitals, the exercise was undertaken on Tuesday.

Suresh Kumar, the medical director of the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, said more cases are being reported in the city but there is no need to panic.

“Only 10 patients have been admitted to our hospital, while 440 Covid beds are vacant. The objective of the exercise is to ascertain our preparedness in terms of availability of essential medicine, equipment and staff,” he said.

Talking about the recent Covid-related deaths, Kumar said only those who had severe comorbidities like tuberculosis, cancer, chronic lung diseases etc succumbed to the infection. A senior doctor at the Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital told PTI, “The exercise was conducted to test our Covid preparedness, including the availability of beds, oxygen and other healthcare logistic requirements to deal with any eventuality in view of a rising number of COVID-19 and influenza-type cases.” The hospital has 325 beds and according to instructions issued by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently, an isolation room with a set of beds has been set up at the facility, he said.

Source: https://news.abplive.com/news/india/india-logs-nearly-8000-covid-cases-in-a-day-active-tally-rises-to-40-215-1594946

Covid Cases India Updates: Maharashtra and Delhi saw a massive spike in daily infections while several personalities like Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and former cricketer Akash Chopra tested positive

India continued to register Covid-19 cases above the 3,000 mark on Tuesday, with Maharashtra and Delhi seeing a massive spike in daily infections. Several personalities like Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former cricketer Akash Chopra tested positive for coronavirus.

India registered 3,038 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 21,179, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 5,30,901 with nine deaths.

The Omicron variant XBB.1.16 is believed to be behind the sudden surge of the cases.

According to the ministry’s website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

What You Need To Know On Covid Today:

• Maharashtra saw a 186 per cent spike in Covid cases on Tuesday, with 711 fresh infections recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the latest bulletin by the health department. The active caseload now stands at 3,792 in the state. On Monday, Maharashtra logged only 248 cases.
• Four Covid-related deaths (Satara-2, Pune-1, Ratnagiri – 1) were also recorded in Maharashtra the past 24 hours. The case fatality rate in the state is currently 1.82 per cent.
• Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said there was no need to panic as the situation was being monitored continuously. Sawant informed that the state would be conducting a mock drill on April 13-14.

Source : https://news.abplive.com/news/india/coronavirus-cases-news-updates-april-4-covid-19-in-india-maharashtra-delhi-guidelines-1593218

Delhi has witnessed an increase in the number of fresh Covid cases over the last few days amid a sharp rise in the figure of H3N2 influenza cases in the country.

Delhi’s COVID-19 cases climbed to 300 on Wednesday for the first time since September last year, while the positivity rate climbed to 13.89 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department.

Two more Covid-related deaths were also reported, it said.

On Tuesday, Delhi logged 214 cases with a positivity rate of 11.82 per cent. Delhi recorded 115 fresh coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 7.45 per cent on Monday.

The city logged 153 cases with a positivity rate of 9.13 per cent on Sunday and 139 cases with a positivity rate of 4.98 per cent on Saturday. It saw 152 cases with a positivity rate of 6.66 per cent on Friday and 117 cases with a positivity rate of 4.95 per cent on Thursday.

Delhi has witnessed an increase in the number of fresh Covid cases over the last few days amid a sharp rise in the figure of H3N2 influenza cases in the country. The number of fresh cases had seen a decline over the last few months in Delhi. It had dropped to zero on January 16, the first time since the pandemic broke out.

With the fresh cases, Delhi’s COVID-19 tally has increased to 20,09,361, while the death count due to the viral infection stands at 26,526. The data also showed that 2,160 Covid tests were conducted on Tuesday.

Fifty-four of the 7,986 beds are occupied in the dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in the city, while 452 patients are in home isolation, the health department said.

The number of active cases of the infection currently stands at 806, it added.

Amid a gradual increase in the number of Covid cases in Delhi, medical experts say the new XBB.1.16 variant of the virus could be driving the surge.

However, they maintain that there is no need to panic and people should follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and get booster shots of the vaccines.

They also say this rise in the number of cases could be a result of more people getting themselves tested for Covid as a precaution when they actually get infected with the influenza virus and develop fever and related symptoms.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/delhi-fresh-covid-cases-influenza-positivity-rate-deaths-latest-updates-2353182-2023-03-29

A total of 76 samples of XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus have been found which might be behind the recent rise of cases in the country, according to INSACOG data.

Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria on Wednesday said the new XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus could be driving the recent rise in Covid-19 cases but stressed there was no need to worry as long as it doesn’t lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and deaths.

“New variants will keep coming as the virus keeps on mutating over the time and the XBB 1.16 is sort of a “new kid on the block”, Guleria told PTI in an interview.

New Delhi: The central government has directed six states to examine the increasing covid-19 situation at the micro level and surveillance, test, and monitor new and emerging covid clusters.
Over the past few weeks, India has seen a rise in covid-19 cases, with a total of three thousand plus cases in the week that ended 15 March.