1,010 active cases as Covid19 surges in India driven by Omicron sub-lineages
KATHMANDU: Covid19 cases in India have surged, with new Omicron sub-lineages fuelling the increase in transmissions, official sources have confirmed, CNBCTV18 reported.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently has 1,010 active cases. Kerala and Maharashtra are among the worst affected, with Kerala recording 430 active cases – 335 of which are recent – and Maharashtra reporting 210 active cases, including 154 new infections. Delhi, too, is experiencing an impact with 104 active cases, while the Kalyan-Dombivli civic body in Maharashtra has reported the first Covid19 fatality amid the current spike.
Dr Arjun Dang, chief executive officer of Dangs Lab, a diagnostic services company based in New Delhi, told ANI that regions such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are witnessing increased transmission of Omicron sub-lineages LF7 and NV181, which have been designated as Variants Under Monitoring. Health authorities are also keeping a close watch on the emergence of new sub-variants, including NB.1.8.1.
Despite the heightened transmissibility of these variants, most cases have been mild, with symptoms akin to those of a common cold or seasonal influenza, and hospital admissions remain low. Dr Dang said that improved surveillance and diagnostic measures have bolstered the nation’s preparedness to manage the situation. The Indian Council of Medical Research has corroborated that although case numbers are rising, instances of severe illness remain rare.
Authorities have urged the public to maintain vigilance and adhere to established preventive measures as the situation evolves, even as hospitals report being fully prepared to manage the current surge.
