India logs fresh Covid-19 cases: Should Indians be worried?

India has been seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases

Following a spike in Covid-19 in Southeast Asia, India has also recently seen fresh cases. According to the Covid-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India currently has 257 active cases. With states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, logging fresh cases again, the JN.1 variant and its related descendants, which belong to the Omicron family, are believed to be the driver behind this surge in Covid-19 cases.

What we know so far

Several places in Asia have been reporting an uptick. In Hong Kong, health authorities have reported that Covid-19 activity is currently “quite high,” with testing levels reaching their peak for the past year. During just the first three days of May, the city recorded 31 severe cases.In China, which became the ground zero place for the pandemic that started in 2020, the Covid-19 positivity rate has seen a sharp rise—from 7.5% on March 31 to 16.2% by May 4. The number of hospitalised patients has also gone up.Meanwhile, Singapore is witnessing a notable spike in hospital admissions due to a surge in cases. The numbers have climbed by 28%, rising from 11,100 the previous week to 14,200 in the most recent tally.

What is India’s Covid situation?

Much like the last time, Kerala is leading the surge this time too with 69 cases reported in the state till May 20. Kerala is followed by Maharashtra with nearly 50 cases. Other states, including Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat and others have also reported fresh cases.

However, several doctors feel that a new wave in the summer months seems unlikely since respiratory problems are not prevalent during this period. According to doctors, the rise in cases is being driven by low immunities as several people have not taken booster shots after their vaccine doses.

A report by Business Standard quoted a doctor as saying that Covid-19 has now become an endemic and will only cause periodic spikes.

What is the new COVID-19 variant and how is it different?

Most subvariants have evolved from the Omicron strain. The most common variant behind the rise of cases is the JN.1 strain. According to Yale Medicine, the JN.1 variant is closely related to BA.2.86—also known informally as ‘Pirola’—which is a branch of the Omicron family.

One key distinction is that JN.1 carries a specific mutation in its spike protein. While this change may or may not significantly affect the virus’s behaviour, early research suggests it could enhance its ability to dodge the immune system.JN.1 was first identified in August 2023 and was later designated a Variant of Interest by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in December 2023.

It carries around 30 mutations that enable it to bypass the body’s immune defences, reports said. Experts at Yale Medicine also note that JN.1 has acquired further mutations that may increase its transmissibility compared to earlier variants.

What are the symptoms?

Covid-19 is often associated with runny nose, cold, fever and similar flu-like symptoms. In 2020, people also reported loss of taste and smell as common symptoms. Upset stomach and loose motions are also some other indications. However, sometimes, the infected person might be completely asymptomatic.

How can it be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent Covid is through vaccination. Staying up to date with the recommended doses, including booster shots, significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Vaccines were made available for Covid-19 during the 2020 pandemic.Wearing a well-fitted mask, particularly in crowded indoor places or areas with high transmission, is the first step. Maintaining good hand hygiene is also crucial—regularly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser helps prevent the spread of the virus. Moreover, physical distancing is also recommended to prevent Covid-19 spread.