COVID-19 Update: Death in India and Spike in Cases Across Multiple States
India is experiencing a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, prompting alerts in several states. Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka have been placed on high alert due to an exponential increase in daily cases. In Maharashtra, 43 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period, bringing the state's active case total to 209. Karnataka reported 38 new cases, with 32 of these concentrated in Bengaluru. An 84-year-old Bengaluru man with severe comorbidities died after testing positive for COVID-19.
The deceased, admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru, on May 13, passed away on May 17. Health officials confirmed that his COVID-19 test, conducted while he was alive, came back positive on Saturday.
In response to the rising cases, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged the public to remain calm and avoid disrupting their daily routines. He cautioned against exaggerated media portrayals of the situation, emphasizing that the government is vigilant and monitoring the situation closely. There are currently no COVID-19-related restrictions in place, allowing people to move freely.
Health officials suggest the rise in cases may be due to a sub-variant of the coronavirus, possibly a sub-variant of JN.1, which has been detected in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. However, officials state that the situation in India is not as alarming as in those regions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies JN.1 as the most prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variant globally and classifies it as a 'Variant of Interest.' First detected in the United States in September 2023, JN.1 is similar to the BA.2.86 strain but contains a unique mutation (L455S) in the spike protein. This mutation makes it more likely to infect individuals, even those with prior vaccinations. The JN.1 variant is currently the predominant strain circulating in the United States.
To stay safe from the COVID-19 JN.1 variant, people are advised to take precautions such as wearing masks and using sanitizers. Building immunity through a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and staying hydrated are also recommended. It's also advisable to avoid large public gatherings.
