Covid-19 in India: Cases surge to 3,395; 4 deaths reported in 24 hours — here’s what you need to know

Covid 19

Active Covid-19 cases in India have surged to 3,395, representing a significant jump over just ten days. Kerala continues to be the hardest hit, reporting 1,336 active infections, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on May 31.

In the past 24 hours, the country has recorded 685 new infections. Four men—one each from Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh—have lost their lives due to complications related to Covid-19, reported Business Standard.

In Delhi, the reported death involved a “71-year-old male with pneumonia, septic shock, and acute kidney injury,” as officials indicated. Notably, Delhi experienced the largest daily increase, with active cases rising by 81 within a day.

No need for alarm

Despite the sudden uptick in cases, health authorities emphasize that there is no reason to panic. Most patients are being cared for at home and experiencing only mild symptoms. In fact, 265 individuals were discharged in the last 24 hours.

Officials from the Union health ministry have asserted that they are “closely monitoring” the overall Covid-19 situation, and they’ve advised the public that there is “no cause for concern.”

Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reinforced that stance, stating, “We have been vigilant about the situation. Overall, we should keep watch and stay alert, but there’s no reason to worry.”

India reported only 257 active Covid-19 cases on May 22. By May 26, that number had climbed to 1,010 and has now skyrocketed to 3,395—a more than tenfold increase in just over a week.

Kerala still accounts for over a third of the nation’s active cases, while Maharashtra and Delhi also report significant numbers. Other states, including Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117), are seeing steady increases as well.

Delhi hospitals advised to step up preparedness

In response to the growing case numbers, the Delhi government issued a comprehensive advisory on May 23. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including oxygen, medications, beds, and functional life-support equipment such as ventilators and BiPAP machines.

This advisory is part of a broader set of measures being implemented by various state governments across India to prepare for the situation.

New Omicron sub-variants detected

The recent rise in cases coincides with the detection of new sub-variants of the Omicron strain, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Dr. Behl confirmed these variants were identified through genome sequencing performed in the southern and western regions of India.

“The variants contributing to the current increase in cases are not severe and are sub-variants of Omicron—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. The first three are showing a higher incidence,” he explained.

The World Health Organization has categorized these strains as “Variants Under Monitoring,” rather than “Variants of Concern,” indicating that they are not currently considered a serious global threat.

Should you be worried? Here’s what you need to know

While the new sub-variants may be more transmissible than previous strains, they have not demonstrated an increase in severity of illness. Their rapid spread has been noted in countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia, prompting Indian authorities to adopt a cautious approach.

Experts continue to advocate vaccination as the best means of protection. They also recommend wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, especially for older individuals or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Given the trend showing increased transmissibility but low hospitalization rates, the focus remains on staying vigilant without succumbing to anxiety.