India is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with certain states showing a more pronounced increase than others. Recent data indicates that states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi are witnessing a gradual surge, prompting renewed emphasis on testing and surveillance. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging caution but advising against panic, emphasizing that continued vigilance, vaccination, and hygiene are key to preventing another major wave.
In Delhi, reports indicate over 100 new cases in the past week, bringing the total active cases in the capital to 104. The Delhi government has issued an advisory to all hospitals, urging them to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines to handle any potential increase in hospitalizations. Health Minister Pankaj Singh has stated that the government is verifying whether the new patients are residents of Delhi or have a travel history outside the city.
Kerala has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country recently, with 430 active cases. The state has been particularly vigilant, with Health Minister Veena George directing authorities to increase testing and surveillance. Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram have reported the highest number of cases within Kerala. In light of a COVID-19 wave in Southeast Asia, Kerala is intensifying its surveillance efforts and advising people to take precautions like wearing masks and washing hands. Health officials have also noted that the number of COVID tests in Kerala has remained relatively low, suggesting that some cases may have gone unreported.
Maharashtra has also seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases, reporting 209 active cases. Mumbai continues to see the sharpest increase, with 242 cases reported so far in May, including 35 on a recent Sunday. The state has reported 43 new COVID cases recently. Health officials have described the recent rise in cases as sporadic and have started surveillance for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection. While four patients with pre-existing health conditions have died since mid-May, officials have stressed that their underlying illnesses were the primary causes of death, not COVID-19.
Across India, the rise in cases has prompted increased surveillance and testing efforts. The country has recorded one case of the newly emerging COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type. The most common variant remains JN.1, accounting for 53% of positive cases. While these new variants are being monitored, health officials, including representatives from ICMR and NCDC, emphasize that the overall situation remains under control, with no indication of a large-scale resurgence.
Experts advise citizens to remain alert to symptoms like the common cold, nasal congestion, headaches, muscular cramps, nausea, and fevers. While the COVID-19 variant has shown mild symptoms so far, experts advise getting tested if symptoms persist for more than a few days. RT-PCR tests are considered highly accurate, while home rapid antigen tests can also be used for faster diagnosis.
Overall, while the increase in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, Kerala, and Maharashtra is a cause for vigilance, health officials emphasize that the situation is currently under control. Enhanced surveillance, increased testing, and adherence to safety protocols are considered key to preventing another major wave.
