Speaking to mid-day, experts actively involved in managing the first two waves of the pandemic emphasised the importance of adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour
Fresh cases are attributed to JN.1 sub variant of Omicron. Representation pic
Despite the spate of fresh COVID-19 cases — 33 new infections reported in the last 24 hours in Maharashtra, including 22 cases in Mumbai — health experts are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant. Speaking to mid-day, experts actively involved in managing the first two waves of the pandemic emphasised the importance of adhering to COVID-appropriate behaviour.
While there is no cause for alarm yet, health experts stress the need for preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, etc.
Rise in numbers
Health officials informed mid-day that in the last 24 hours, 33 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported across Maharashtra, of which 22 cases were reported in Mumbai, followed by five in Pune and two in Pimpri Chinchwad areas, thereby taking the total number of positive cases to 145.
Health experts have advised to wear masks in crowded places. Representation pic/iStock
Dr Santosh Kadam, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra state, said, “India has a dense population, and many people got infected and recovered during the second SARS-CoV-2 wave (in 2021). The population already has some level of herd immunity; also, a large number of people have been vaccinated. Even though the numbers may increase due to seasonal variations, the situation may not be alarming, but COVID-appropriate behaviour needs to be followed.”
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has documented 257 active cases, including 53 from Maharashtra, in the past week (at present 145 cases in Maharashtra), other than the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have seen an uptick in cases. Other states, including Karnataka and Gujarat, are also reporting new infections.
The surge is attributed to the JN.1 sub variant of Omicron and its offshoots, LF.7 and NB.1.8. This variant is reportedly spreading across Asia, with countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand witnessing a significant uptick in the cases. Singapore leads in new JN.1 cases with 14,200 infections in the first week of May alone.
These sub variants have persisted since 2023, despite global vaccination efforts that saw 80 per cent of the world population receive two doses and booster shots administered to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised adults, and adolescents aged 12–18 years.
“Currently, JN.1 cases in Asia are present with mostly mild symptoms — fever, cough, cold, and loss of taste or smell — responding well to oral antivirals over 5-7 days,” said Dr Subhash Hira, Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington and World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic preparedness panel member.
Highly contagious
However, Dr Hira warned that the JN.1 remains highly contagious, even in the summer, and has shown some unique symptoms, like persistent nausea, extreme fatigue, neurologic issues, and loss of appetite.
Detected first in the US in September 2023, JN.1 is a sub variant of BA.2.86 and is classified by WHO as a ‘sub variant of interest’. Dr Hira noted a few deaths in Maharashtra among vulnerable hospitalised patients and urged the public to remain cautious. “We must use masks in crowded places, practice social distancing, and maintain hand hygiene,” he said, recalling the devastating toll of the Delta wave.
Dr Hira also emphasised the importance of strengthening surveillance and resuming COVID-19 testing in hospitals, especially in cases of fever and respiratory symptoms. Currently, India has no updated booster shot guidelines.
Dr Wiqar Shaikh, former professor of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, confirmed rising COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, describing it as the beginning of a new wave across Asia.
He noted a 28 per cent rise in cases and a 30 per cent rise in hospitalisation in Singapore, along with 31 severe cases in Hong Kong in early May. China and Thailand have also reported increased positivity rates and outbreaks, though no new variants have emerged.
Dr Shaikh reassured that most cases are mild but emphasised continued mask usage in crowded areas and recommended RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 to anyone showing symptoms.
53
No. of COVID-19 cases reported in past week in state
Please
1 Greet without physical contact
2 Maintain physical distance wherever possible
3 Wear a mask at all times
4 Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth before washing hands
5 Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
COVID-appropriate behavior
. Greet without physical contact
. Maintain physical distance wherever possible
. Wear a mask at all times
. Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth before washing hands
. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
. Regularly clean frequently used spaces
. Avoid unnecessary travel
. Don’t spread misinformation and seek information about COVID from official, trusted sources
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