Active COVID cases rise to 2,710 in India; 7 new deaths reported

At least seven more COVID-related deaths have been recorded in the country as the active cases surged to 2,710 as of Friday (May 30).

A significant spike of 69.45 per cent in active cases has been observed, with India reporting 1,010 active cases on May 26.

Also read: As COVID cases rise sharply in a week, will a booster dose of vaccine help?

Surge in active cases

The latest COVID-19 dashboard data reveal that Kerala has reported 1,147 active cases. Maharashtra follows with 424 active cases, while Delhi has reported 294 cases.

Among the other states, Gujarat has 223 cases, and both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have reported 148 cases each.

The total number of active cases across the country stands at 2,710, with data from Bihar still pending.

COVID deaths

Since May 26, seven COVID-related deaths have been reported across the country. Of these, six individuals had underlying comorbid conditions. The states reporting these fatalities include Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.

The cause of death of one individual from Gujarat is still awaited. While Kerala has recorded the highest number of active cases, the mortality data from the state are currently being reconciled.

Omicron variants drive the surge

Despite the surge in the number of COVID patients, a total of 1,170 individuals have recovered after treatment since January 1. The increasing number of active cases underscores the need for continued public health vigilance to contain the spread of the virus.

India is witnessing a rise in COVID cases following similar trends in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Genomic sequencing data revealed that there are no new variants; rather, the surge is driven by subvariants of Omicron — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7.

The Union Health Ministry has stated that while there is no need for public panic, people should remain cautious.

Also Read: Maharashtra health dept: 2 COVID-19 deaths since Jan, 68 under treatment

Changing symptom patterns

Commenting on the evolving symptoms of patients with COVID, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, hepatologist at Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi, Kerala, noted that current COVID cases present different symptoms, including prolonged fevers, fatigue, lethargy, throat pain, and laryngitis.

The doctor highlighted symptoms such as voice changes, hoarseness, persistent throat irritation and breathlessness in severe cases. "My patients are getting affected. Many are coming back with itchy bumpy rashes (urticaria) that doesn't seem to get cured," he wrote on X.

State-level actions

As COVID cases continue to rise, people are advised to remain cautious and adhere to public health guidelines to minimise the risks of transmission.

Union health ministry officials stated that they are working closely with state authorities to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary support to the regions affected most.

In Kerala, where the highest number of cases has been reported, a meeting of the state-level rapid response team (RRT) was held to assess the public health situation and ensure the effective monitoring of the cases.

Tamil Nadu remains prepared

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has also directed District Health Officers and other officials to step up disease surveillance and implement proactive measures.

The officials have been instructed to focus on consistent daily monitoring and reporting of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases.

They are also tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies, including antiviral drugs and diagnostic tools, and assessing and ensuring sufficient bed capacity in fever wards, along with contingency plans.

Also read: 60-year-old COVID patient, with co-morbidity, dies in Chennai

Testing in Karnataka

In Karnataka, the state government has stepped up testing preparedness across key centres. While the number of cases remains relatively low, the health department has mandated that testing be conducted only at centres equipped with VRDL (viral research and diagnostic laboratory) facilities.

Testing readiness has been ensured at 10 centres, including NIMHANS, Bangalore Medical College, and the NIV unit in Bengaluru, said State health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. He told The Federal, "No bed reservations have been made yet, as the case load is still under control. Testing is being streamlined at VRDL-equipped centres.”

Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Raichur district In-charge, stated that while there's no need for public panic, doctors and healthcare workers have been advised to wear masks. “The government is taking all the necessary precautionary steps,” he said.

To monitor severe acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illness cases, testing mechanisms have been strengthened. Dr. Patil also held a review meeting with heads of all teaching hospitals in the state in anticipation of a possible increase in COVID cases in Bengaluru and other urban centres.