The number of COVID-19 patients is on the upswing nationwide once again. In the midst of this, the virus has appeared in Gautam Buddha Nagar. A 55-year-old woman from Sector-110 in Noida has tested positive for COVID-19. Reports suggest that the woman experienced mild symptoms and went to a private hospital for testing. Her test results confirmed a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and she is currently under home isolation.
Chief Medical Officer Narendra Kumar of the district stated that the patient's travel history is being investigated, and efforts are underway to identify those she may have come in contact with. The CMO also mentioned that the patient's family members' samples have been sent for testing. Testing has commenced in the district hospital, and the number of COVID-19 tests is being increased. More samples will soon be processed for testing. However, CMO Narendra Kumar has reassured the public that there is no need to panic. The health department is vigilant and taking all necessary precautions.
23 COVID-19 Cases in Delhi After Three Years
Delhi has reported 23 COVID-19 cases in May, the first time such a number has been seen in three years. Additionally, states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have recorded new cases this month, prompting states like Delhi, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, along with union territories, to place their hospitals on alert.
The positive news is that most COVID-19 patients are exhibiting mild symptoms, and thankfully, no fatalities have been reported yet. The surge in South Asia's COVID cases is possibly due to the spread of the JN.1 variant, a sub-variant of Omicron. Experts believe the virus is quite "active," but it has not yet been classified as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recovery in Three to Four Days
Patients infected with the JN.1 variant usually experience mild symptoms and recover within four days. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and exhaustion. Although 23 cases have surfaced in Delhi, the BJP government has instructed hospitals to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders, testing kits, and vaccines. Health Minister Pankaj Singh assured that there is no need to panic, as the latest variant is similar to a "common influenza."
Delhi has directed hospitals to daily upload cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) on the integrated health data platform. Cities like Noida and Ghaziabad in the Delhi-NCR region have also reported cases of coronavirus. On Saturday, Noida documented its first COVID patient (55) amid the ongoing wave. Meanwhile, Ghaziabad has reported four cases.
273 Infected Cases in Kerala
Kerala has reported the highest number of infections with 273 cases in May. Consequently, the health minister has mandated increased surveillance across all districts. The state has made masks mandatory in hospitals and advised individuals with cough symptoms to cover their faces. Neighboring Karnataka is also witnessing a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, documenting 35 infections, including a nine-month-old child from Hoskote. People exhibiting symptoms of severe respiratory illness (SARI) are advised to get tested.
