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New COVID-19 Variant LB.1 Spreads Rapidly In US, Alarming Experts

June 22, 2024, 6:53 pm

A new summer wave of COVID-19 infections is spreading rapidly across the US, arriving earlier than last year, according to federal data. Experts are concerned that the new variant, LB.1, could become the latest dominant strain of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that, for the first time in months, no states or territories have experienced a slowdown in COVID-19 infections this past week. The CDC reports that key virus indicators are worsening most rapidly in western states, where trends began increasing this month.

COVID-19 cases on the rise in western states

The CDC reports that virus detections in wastewater, often an early indicator of rising COVID-19 cases, are already approaching the threshold, indicating “high” levels of infection risk. COVID-19 cases in nursing homes have also increased in recent weeks in this region.

Experts note a significant rise of approximately 1.23 percent in emergency hospital visits from COVID-19 patients in HHS Region 9, which includes states from Arizona to Hawaii. This is the worst average for the region since early February. Health authorities state that historical data shows a consistent surge in summertime COVID-19 cases following a spring lull.

Last year, virus trends began to rise around late August and early September, coinciding with the rollout of a new COVID-19 vaccine. Ruth Link-Gelles, head of the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness research, stated at a recent FDA meeting, “For flu and RSV, we have years and years of data with very similar trends over time. So, you can’t quite set your watch by when those seasons are going to start, but you can get close. For COVID, that’s not true at all.”

Rise of LB.1 and KP.3 variants

The CDC reports that two new COVID-19 variants, KP.3 and LB.1, are increasing in prevalence across the country. KP.3 now accounts for roughly a third of cases nationwide, up from 25 percent two weeks ago, while LB.1 makes up 17.5 percent of cases, according to the CDC’s latest projections.

Experts indicate that both variants are offshoots of FLiRT, also known as KP.2, which became dominant last month. Current CDC projections show LB.1 growing at a faster rate than KP.3, suggesting it might overtake KP.3 soon.

All three variants share a common ancestor, the deadly JN.1 strain, which caused a surge in cases last winter. Dr. Peter Marks from the FDA commented, “We’ve seen descendants of that moving along, that’s KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1. So, these other new variants came up relatively quickly. I wouldn’t say they caught us by surprise, but because they happened relatively quickly, we had to react.”

Vaccinations to be boosted

Both the CDC and FDA are emphasizing the importance of renewing vaccination efforts. “There’s probably some degree of cross-protection, but the optimal protection probably involves making sure we get closest to what is circulating now,” he stated.

The CDC reports that it is monitoring the rise of KP.3 and LB.1, which are poised to overtake KP.2. A study by Japanese scientists found that one of LB.1’s mutations, S: S31del, which is not present in KP.3 and JN.1, could potentially allow it to spread more rapidly.

Mumbai Reports 32 New COVID-19 Cases

December 30, 2023, 8:15 pm

The health department has reported that a total of 32 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the Greater Mumbai Area on Saturday. This brings the overall number of positive patients to 208, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Public Health Department.

Out of the new cases, three individuals were hospitalized today, increasing the total number of hospitalized patients to 22. Currently, there are 14 occupied beds out of the 4,215 available beds, as stated by the Public Health Department.

Furthermore, the Public Health Department has informed that 18 patients have recovered and were discharged on Saturday, bringing the total number of recoveries for December is 60.

The total number of active cases is 148, and there have been no detections of the JN.1 variant. It is worth noting that 51% of these cases are asymptomatic, while the symptomatic cases exhibit mild symptoms and recover within a few days, as stated by the health department. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported on Saturday.

A total of 570 tests were conducted, making the cumulative total of tests 4,402, according to the health department. Meanwhile, India has recorded 743 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

The total active caseload has increased by seven, reaching 3,997, as reported by the Union Health Ministry. Official data reveals that seven deaths have been reported in the country in the past 24 hours, with three in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one each in Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.

With these updates, the total count of coronavirus cases in India since its outbreak in January 2020 has reached 4,50,12,484, with an increase of 743 cases in the past 24 hours. The death toll due to COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 55,33,358, reflecting an increase of seven deaths in the past 24 hours. According to the official report by the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 41,797 tests were conducted on December 29.

Manipur Registers Fresh COVID-19 Case Amidst Growing Concerns Over JN.1 Subvariant

December 29, 2023, 1:28 pm

Breaking its streak of no new infections, Manipur reported a recent case of COVID-19. The infected individual, a resident of Paomata in Senapati district, had recently travelled from Delhi to Dimapur by air and later from Dimapur to Senapati by road.

The specific virus variant remains unidentified, prompting authorities to send samples for genome sequencing to obtain comprehensive details. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation to avert any potential spread of the virus.

The rise in COVID-19 cases has emerged as a growing concern in the country, particularly with the advent of the JN.1 subvariant. Several states are witnessing an increase in fresh cases.

Recent data from the Union Health Ministry reveals that India recorded 692 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, leading to an increase in the active caseload by four, totalling 4,097. Additionally, six deaths were reported during this period, with two in Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. Since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020, the total COVID-19 cases in India have reached 4,50,10,944, and the death toll stands at 5,33,946.

Given the rise in COVID-19 cases attributed to the JN.1 subvariant in various states, Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, following AIIMS, has taken precautionary measures. The hospital has reserved 50 beds for isolation and nine ICU beds. Adequate arrangements, including provisions for oxygen, PPE kits, and COVID testing, have been put in place.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta, a senior pulmonologist and former HOD at Safdarjung Hospital, described JN.1 as a variant of Omicron. He noted its mild nature and emphasized that, while mild, the virus exhibits the ability to cross immune barriers. Dr. Gupta added that patients with comorbidities or compromised immune systems might experience higher morbidity leading to mortality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently categorized JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. Despite this classification, the WHO underscored that the overall risk associated with JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

Delhi Health Minister Bhardwaj Announces Discharge of JN.1 Patient, No New Cases

December 28, 2023, 2:11 pm

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj affirmed on Thursday that Delhi presently has no active cases of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19, following the discharge of the lone patient infected with the variant. Minister Bhardwaj reassured the public, stating that the new variant is mild, and individuals infected with it are not experiencing severe illness.

Highlighting the increased testing efforts, Minister Bhardwaj provided details, saying, “We have increased the number of tests. Yesterday, we performed 636 tests in private and government hospitals combined. Three genome sequencing results were received yesterday, out of which two were old Omicron variants and one was JN.1.”

Regarding the patient with the JN.1 variant, he mentioned, “The patient has already been discharged from the hospital and is healthy now.” He concluded, “We can say that there are no patients of JN.1 variant in Delhi currently.”

In the broader context of COVID-19 in India, the Union Health Ministry reported 692 new cases in the last 24 hours, with the total active caseload at 4,097. Six deaths were recorded during this period, with two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. The overall COVID-19 cases in India since January 2020 now stand at 4,50,10,944, and the total death toll has risen to 5,33,346.

Addressing the surge in cases, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for COVID-19 suspected or positive cases reported at hospitals. Meanwhile, the JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 or Pirola, has seen 109 cases in India, with the first case reported in Kerala. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, emphasizing a low overall risk based on current evidence, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86.

India Sees Surge in COVID-19 Cases with 692 New Infections and Six Deaths in 24 Hours

December 28, 2023, 11:23 am

In the past 24 hours, India has reported a spike in COVID-19 cases, with 692 new infections, pushing the total active caseload to 4,097, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. The overall tally of coronavirus cases in the country, since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020, now stands at 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in the last day.

The health authorities also confirmed six new deaths in the same period, bringing the total death toll due to COVID-19 in India to 5,33,346. The fatalities were reported in different states, with two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.

Adding a new dimension to the situation, Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 on Wednesday. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, “Delhi reports the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the three samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1, and two are Omicron.”

The JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant known as BA.2.86 or Pirola, was initially reported in Kerala. Health Ministry sources have identified a total of 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant in India until now. However, the World Health Organisation has emphasized that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

In response to the escalating COVID-19 situation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for handling suspected or positive cases. AIIMS Delhi director conducted a meeting on Wednesday with department heads to discuss contingency measures, including testing policies, designated areas for positive patients, and hospitalization protocols. These measures aim to address the sudden surge in coronavirus cases across the country.

No Immediate Plans to Mandate RT-PCR Testing for COVID at Airports: Health Ministry

December 21, 2023, 6:02 pm

Amid a rise in COVID-19 infections in India, health officials stated that there are currently no plans to make RT-PCR testing mandatory for travelers at airports in the country. The Health Ministry sources clarified that, at present, there is no intention to impose mandatory RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 at airports.

India had revised guidelines in July, eliminating the requirement for RT-PCR testing for a random 2% of travelers entering the country. Officials emphasized that there is no increase in hospitalization rates related to the recently reported JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19. Hospitalized cases are primarily attributed to other medical conditions, with COVID-19 being an incidental finding.

In the last two weeks, India has reported a total of 23 deaths, while the number of active COVID-19 cases increased to 2,669. The statement comes as the country navigates through the challenges posed by the evolving situation with the virus.

Time for Caution? Experts Discuss the Need to Mask Up Amidst the Latest Covid Spike

December 21, 2023, 12:28 pm

The ominous resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over India, with 358 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, out of which 300 emerged in Kerala. This surge has reignited memories of the fearful lockdowns and restrictions that defined the past two years. Amid the escalating situation, six individuals have succumbed to COVID-related complications, underscoring the seriousness of the current outbreak. The Union Health Ministry reports a total of 2,669 active cases across the country.

Yesterday’s spike of 614 cases, the highest since May, has set off alarm bells among health authorities. The driving force behind this surge is identified as the JN.1 variant of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ acknowledging that current evidence suggests it doesn’t pose a major risk. However, concerns are raised about its potential to exacerbate respiratory infections, particularly with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist talked with NDTV, and cautioned against downplaying COVID as a common cold, citing not only the severity of acute cases but also the lingering effects of the disease. The JN.1 variant, a sub-variant of Omicron, is noted for its increased transmissibility and ability to evade existing antibody responses, leading to waves of infections.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, expressed concerns about JN.1 being a multi-step ahead variant. He advised caution, particularly in enclosed and crowded spaces, emphasizing the importance of wearing masks. An advisory from the administration of Chandigarh echoes this sentiment, urging people to wear masks in crowded and closed settings while practicing hand hygiene.

The emerging situation prompted a high-level review by the Union Health Ministry, where Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the need to be alert and prepared against new and emerging strains of the virus. He urged all states to enhance surveillance and ensure adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen cylinders, and other essential supplies.

Symptoms of the JN.1 variant include fever, cough, loss of smell, and loss of taste. Dr. Swaminathan recommended heightened vigilance, especially in crowded places, and suggested the use of pulse oximeters for the vulnerable population. Authorities are determined not to underestimate the potential impact of the JN.1 variant, emphasizing the continued importance of public health measures to curb its spread.

As India confronts this new challenge, the nation remains vigilant, recognizing the evolving nature of the virus and the imperative to adapt strategies to safeguard public health. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the current outbreak and the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Covid Update: Kerala Adds 300 Fresh Cases, India’s Active Tally Reaches 2,669

December 21, 2023, 11:59 am

Kerala reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and 3 deaths on December 20, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, contributing to the country’s total active cases standing at 2,669.

Amid concerns about the new variant of the Coronavirus, a health expert from Kerala emphasized that COVID is akin to any other communicable disease and cannot be completely eradicated. Dr. Sreejith N Kumar stated that while COVID cannot be wiped out entirely, the strike rate of the disease has reduced, and mortality is not as high as before. He likened it to any other influenza or common cold.

In response to the rising cases and concerns over emerging strains, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India. He urged vigilance and preparedness against new and emerging strains of the virus. Stressing the importance of being alert, Mandaviya called on all states to enhance surveillance and ensure sufficient stocks of essential medical supplies, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the need for joint efforts between the Centre and States to efficiently manage COVID-19, proposing mock drills every three months at both levels to share best practices. He urged states to create awareness, manage the epidemic, and disseminate accurate information.

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighting the evolution of the virus and the new JN.1 COVID sub-variant, member states were urged to maintain robust surveillance and share sequences to adapt to the changing nature of the virus.

Karnataka Minister Advises Senior Citizens to Mask Up Amid Rising Covid Cases in Kerala

December 18, 2023, 4:53 pm

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has reassured the state’s readiness as Covid cases surge in neighboring Kerala. Expressing concern over the escalating cases in Kerala, Rao recommended that senior citizens in Karnataka with co-morbidities wear masks as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that the state government is closely monitoring the situation in Kerala and is equipped with the necessary resources to address any potential challenges.

During a visit to Kodagu, Rao stated that a detailed advisory would be issued soon, and discussions on the matter were held in a meeting. As a proactive measure, he urged individuals aged over 60 with underlying health conditions to wear masks. The minister disclosed that the state government had instructed hospitals in districts bordering Kerala to remain alert and adequately equipped. Rao further pledged an increase in the number of Covid tests conducted in the state to identify and manage potential outbreaks effectively.

While addressing the public, Rao appealed for calm, assuring citizens that the situation is currently under control. The health minister is scheduled to convene a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee on Covid, led by Dr. K Ravi, to enhance preparedness measures. The Union Ministry of Health has initiated preparedness measures following the identification of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID in Kerala, detected during routine surveillance conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

Covid-19 updates: India reports 656 fresh cases in last 24 hours

May 16, 2023, 2:07 pm

In the last 24 hours, India recorded 656 new Covid-19 cases, while the number of active cases fell to 13,037 from 14,493. According to data shared by the government’s health department, the daily positivity rate on Tuesday was 0.56 percent in the previous 24 hours.

According to the bulletin, 1,16,603 tests were performed in the last 24 hours, with a total of 92.87 crores performed to date. The number of recoveries made in the last 24 hours was 2,100, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,44,37,304.

Furthermore, the Nationwide Vaccination Drive has resulted in the administration of 220.66 crore total vaccine doses (95.21 crore Second Doses and 22.87 crore Precaution Doses).

Covid-19 updates: India registers 2,109 new cases in last 24 hours

May 10, 2023, 6:16 pm

In the last 24 hours, India reported 2,109 new Covid-19 cases. According to the Union Health Ministry, the country’s active caseload was 21,406, with a recovery rate of 98.77%.

The total number of doses administered in the country under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive stands at 220.66 crore, with 2,055 doses administered in the last 24 hours. The total number of recoveries currently stands at 4,44,21,781, with 3,430 recoveries in the last 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate is 1.32 percent, and the weekly positivity rate is 1.80 percent. According to experts, coronavirus has reached the endemic stage after hovering for more than three years, but viral load and the emergence of any new variants must still be monitored.