Tag: COVID-19

India reports 511 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 till Jan 2

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India has reported 511 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 till January 2. Eleven states have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

Karnataka has reported the highest number of cases at 199 followed by Kerala (148), Goa (47). Gujarat has added 36 cases, Maharashtra (32), Tamil Nadu (26), Delhi (15), Rajasthan (4), Telangana (2) and one each from Odisha and Haryana, according to the data by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

The INSACOG’s data showed 279 Covid cases recorded in the country in December had the presence of JN.1, while 33 such cases were detected in November 2023.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a separate “variant of interest” given its rapidly-increasing spread, but said it poses a “low” global public health risk. The JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously classified as a variant of interest (VOI) as part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, the parent lineage that is classified as a VOI, the world body said.

However, in recent weeks, JN.1 cases continued to be reported from multiple countries and its prevalence has rapidly increased globally. The Centre has asked states and Union territories to maintain a constant vigil amid an uptick in the number of Covid cases and the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant in the country.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India logs 656 new COVID-19 cases, active case tally now 3,742

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India saw a single-day rise of 656 COVID infections while the active cases have increased to 3,742, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll was recorded at 5,33,333 with one new death reported from Kerala in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The country’s COVID case tally is 45 million (4,50,08,620).

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 44.47 million and the national recovery rate stands at 98.81%, according to the health ministry’s website.

The case fatality rate stands at 1.19%.

According to the ministry’s website, 2.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines have been administered in the country so far.

Also read: New COVID-19 strain JN.1 mild, high vaccination rate eases concerns: Max Healthcare

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

New COVID-19 strain JN.1 mild, high vaccination rate eases concerns: Max Healthcare

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hospital chain Max Healthcare Institute has shared encouraging news about the new COVID-19 strain, JN.1, indicating that its symptoms are generally mild, mostly manifesting as coughs and colds. This new variant, identified as JN.1, has been responsible for 341 cases so far, with a significant concentration in the southern state of Kerala.

Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director at Max, in an interview with CNBC-TV18, pointed out that with over 95% of the population vaccinated, severe symptoms from this variant are unlikely, suggesting a minimal health impact from JN.1.

While JN.1 is more transmissible than previous strains, leading to quicker spread, the resulting illness has been mild. “The good news is that the disease it will cause, or it has caused so far, has been mild,” Budhiraja stated. He also mentioned that India’s population has developed hybrid immunity against COVID-19, which should mitigate the severity of the illness.

Also Read | COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 live updates: Know mask guidelines and other details

However, he advises continued vigilance, especially for the elderly and those with existing health conditions, due to the variant’s transmissibility.

New-Delhi based Max Group operates in various sectors, including life insurance, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and independent senior living. Max Group encompasses several companies, such as Max Healthcare, Max Life Insurance, Max Financial Services, Max Ventures and Industries, Max India, Max Specialty Films, Max Estates, and Antara Senior Living. Notably, Max Healthcare alone holds a market capitalisation of ₹63,090.95 crore.

Also Read | COVID-19 cases on the rise in India — what we know so far

For the entire interview, watch the accompanying video

Also, catch all the live updates on markets with CNBC-TV18.com’s blog

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

COVID-19 cases on the rise in India — what we know so far

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India recorded 614 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours. This is the highest number the country has reported since May 21 this year. 

The focus now remains on the JN.1 COVID variant, which has infected 21 persons so far, as per NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V.K. Paul. According to media reports, 19 of the infected are from Kerala and one each from Maharashtra and Kerala. 

There has been a steep rise in active cases from 115 on December 6 to 614 on December 20. Over the past two weeks, 16 deaths related to COVID-19 were recorded. The last 24 hours have witnessed three deaths. 

As per the latest Health Ministry data, India now has 2,311 active cases with the overall death toll to date at 5.33 lakh and the COVID cases tally at 4.50 crore.

This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (December 19) classified JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI). It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages. The WHO defines a VOI as one that has genetic changes which could increase its transmissibility and ability to evade vaccines.

“Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” WHO added.

JN.1 differs with an additional mutation in the spike protein. This variant has been found in many countries around the world, including in China and the United States.

Health experts are assuring the public to remain calm as the infection is mild and available treatments are effective. They’re calling for adherence to existing precautionary measures. As it happens with most respiratory viruses, including the influenza viruses, the circulating viruses continue their mutation.

 “However, the government’s steps should not be over-interpreted by citizens, and there is no reason to be worried. We humans live in a world inhabited by viruses, which are many folds higher than humans on this planet,” Chandrakant Lahariya, a senior consultant physician told PTI.

Paul highlighted that about 91-92% of those infected are opting for home-based treatment.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, December 20, reviewed the COVID-19 situation in India and the preparedness of public health systems in view of rising cases. “It is important to be on alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of the coronavirus,” he said.

“No increase in hospitalisation rates has been witnessed due to COVID-19. The cases that have been hospitalised were due to other medical conditions and COVID was an incidental finding,” Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant said.

Also Read:Covid sub-variant JN.1 detected in 21 cases across three states: NITI Aayog Member V K Paul

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Covid sub-variant JN.1 detected in 21 cases across three states: NITI Aayog Member V K Paul

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As many as 21 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected across the country till now, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said on Wednesday but asserted that there was no need to panic.

He said that the scientific community in India was closely investigating the new variant as he emphasised on the need for states to ramp up testing and strengthen their surveillance systems. Paul highlighted that about 91 to 92% of those infected are opting for home-based treatment.

According to official sources, 19 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. Over the past two weeks, 16 deaths related to COVID-19 were recorded with the victims having serious comorbidities.

The Centre has asked states and union territories to maintain a constant vigil amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and the detection of the new JN.1 variant in the country.

Also Read: WHO classifies JN.1 coronavirus strain as ‘variant of interest’

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Wednesday reviewed the preparedness of health facilities across the country and stressed being alert against emerging strains of coronavirus.

Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant said that even though cases are increasing, 92.8% of the cases are in home isolation, indicating mild illness. “No increase in hospitalisation rates has been witnessed due to COVID-19. The cases that have been hospitalized were due to other medical conditions and Covid was an incidental finding,” he said.

A rise in the daily positivity rate has been observed in a few states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. About the new JN.1 variant, Pant said the variant was currently under intense scientific scrutiny but not a cause of immediate concern.

Officials said that no clustering of cases due to the JN.1 variant has been observed in India. All the cases were found to be mild and the patients recovered without any complications, they said.

India recorded 614 new coronavirus infections in a day, the highest since May 21, while the active cases have increased to 2,311, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

Also Read: Singapore sees COVID-19 surge, most cases due to JN.1 variant

The World Health Organisation has classified JN.1 as a separate “variant of interest” given its rapidly increasing spread but said that it poses a “low” global public health risk.

The JN.1 variant was previously classified as a variant of interest (VOI) as part of the BA.2.86 sublineages, the parent lineage that is classified as a VOI, the world body said on Tuesday. However, in recent weeks, JN.1 cases continued to be reported in multiple countries and its prevalence has rapidly increased globally.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

COVID-19: Mansukh Mandaviya asks states to be on alert, says no need to panic

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya holds a high-level meeting with state health ministers on Wednesday, December 20, over the rise in COVID-19 cases and detection of a new variant.

“It is time to work together with a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, through closely working with each other. We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic. It is important to be prepared with mock drills of hospital preparedness, increased surveillance and effective communication with people. A mock drill should be done in all hospitals once every three months. I assure all support of the Centre to States. Health is not an area of politics,” Mandaviya said.

VK Paul, Member-health, Niti Aayog said, “Currently, there are around 2300 active cases of COVID-19 in the country. The upsurge is due to COVID JN.1 variant. There is no need to panic. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Karnataka have cases. In the last two weeks, 16 deaths were reported in people with serious co-morbidities.”

On December 18, the Centre had asked states and union territories to maintain constant vigil amid an uptick in coronavirus cases and the detection of the first case of the new JN.1 variant in the country.

In a letter to states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant “As the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate and its epidemiology behaviour gets settled with Indian weather conditions and circulation of other usual pathogens, it is important to keep the momentum going to effectively deal with the challenges in public health.”

Recently, a few states like Kerala have reported a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, Pant noted.

India’s first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8. Earlier, a traveller from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district tested positive for the JN.1 variant in Singapore.

States have been urged to ensure effective compliance of the detailed operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy for COVID-19 as has been shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Pant stressed on the need to increase the number of RT-PCR tests and send positive samples for genome sequencing to Indian SARS COV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) laboratories to enable timely detection of new variants, if any, in the country.

With inpiuts from PTI

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

COVID-19 sub-strain JN.1 detected in Kerala woman

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8, official sources said on December 16.

The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, they said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.

More than 90% of the COVID-19 cases in India at present are mild and they are in home isolation, the sources said.

Earlier, an Indian traveller was also detected with JN.1 sub-variant in Singapore. The person was a native of Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district and had travelled to Singapore on October 25.

No increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the strain being detected in them.

“No other case of JN.1 variant has been detected in India,” the source said.

The JN.1 sub-variant — first identified in Luxembourg and since spreading to several countries — is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86).

It contains a significant number of unique mutations, particularly in the spike protein, that may contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion, a source explained.

However, initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will still offer protection against JN.1 sub-strain, the source stated.

This sub-variant’s resemblance to earlier sub-strains with distinct spike proteins is also noteworthy.

Most of the changes in JN.1 sub-variant are found in the spike protein, which likely correlates to increases in infectivity and immune evasion.

Globally, 3,608 cases of BA.2.86 and its sub-variants have been reported mostly from Europe and North America.

Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Singapore, with the country’s health ministry Friday estimating that the number of cases from December 3 to 9 increased to 56,043, a 75% jump compared with 32,035 cases in the previous week.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, said initial data suggest that updated COVID-19 vaccines will help protect against JN.1 sub-strain.

It also said an analysis from the federal government’s SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group suggests treatments and testing will remain effective, they said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Singapore sees COVID-19 surge, most cases due to JN.1 variant

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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COVID-19 has made a comeback. The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) Friday said the estimated number of cases from December 3 to 9 increased to 56,043, a 75% jump compared with 32,035 cases in the previous week.

The vast majority of cases are infected by the JN.1 variant, a sublineage of BA.2.86. The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 225 to 350. The average daily cases in the intensive care unit rose from four to nine, Channel News Asia reported.

The MOH said it “strongly encourages” people to wear a face mask in crowded places even if they are not ill, especially indoors or when visiting vulnerable people.

“Based on the available international and local data, there is currently no clear indication that BA.2.86 or JN.1 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants,” MOH said in a media release. Urging the public to exercise personal and social responsibility, the ministry said people who are unwell with acute respiratory infection symptoms should stay at home and avoid contact with others.

It added that those who are travelling should wear a mask at the airport, purchase travel insurance and avoid crowded areas with poor ventilation. “We urge the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s emergency department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies,” stressed the ministry.

“This will preserve our hospital capacity for patients who truly need acute hospital care and allow those with severe illness to receive timely treatment,” the channel had MOH as saying. The Health Ministry said it has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, such as ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent elective surgeries to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care.

“In addition, hospitals are tapping on step-down facilities like Transitional Care Facilities and alternative care models like Mobile Inpatient Care@Home (MIC@Home) to ensure proper right-siting of patients,” MOH said. A second COVID-19 Treatment Facility will open this weekend at Singapore EXPO Hall 10, augmenting capacity at the existing facility at Crawfurd Hospital.

A treatment facility already operates at Crawfurd Hospital in Adam Road. Together, the two facilities can take more than 80 patients, and the new facility can be expanded, if necessary. In addition, hospitals will take steps to meet the rise in demand for beds.

“To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring of non-urgent electives to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care,” the ministry said. In the week that ended December 9, twenty-three COVID-19 patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), up from nine the previous week, and the highest on a weekly basis for the year. A total of 763 patients were hospitalised with the virus.

MOH said travellers should take precautions such as wearing a mask at the airport, buying travel insurance in case they need medical care overseas and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on December 13 that the healthcare impact of the latest spike in numbers is low, with fewer than 10 cases in ICUs at any one time.

Although more than 560 Covid patients were hospitalised on December 13, it is a fraction of the 1,726 at the peak of the pandemic. In the week of December 3 to 9, polyclinics saw 3,590 acute upper respiratory infections a day up from 2,970 a day the previous week. Polyclinics, which treat about 20 percent of acute illness cases in primary care, serve as a yardstick for the nation.

Doctors are urging people to get both the influenza vaccine and Covid-19 booster shots, especially if they are medically vulnerable or are seniors with underlying medical conditions, for whom such infections can be serious. The flu vaccine, which protects against the main strains now circulating here, is free for those who have signed up with Healthier SG, the national healthcare scheme to promote better health among Singaporeans.

Flu kills about 600 people a year here. In comparison, Covid-19 caused 226 deaths in the first 10 months of 2023, according to a report by The Straits Times.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Inhaled single-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine shows promising results across species

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a significant leap forward in the fight against COVID-19, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking inhaled SARS-CoV-2 vaccine designed for single-dose dry powder aerosol immunization.

The experimental vaccine has demonstrated compelling outcomes, eliciting robust mucosal immunity and providing protection in various species, including non-human primates. Notably, it exhibits efficacy against a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Omicron variant.

The global push for vaccination solutions that induce mucosal immune responses and offer non-invasive, single-dose administration has been met with a compelling answer.

The innovative vaccine formulation encapsulates assembled nanoparticles featuring proteinaceous cholera toxin B subunits displaying the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen.

Also Read: Covid virus can remain in lungs for two years, reveals study

These components are housed within microcapsules of optimal aerodynamic size, facilitating efficient alveoli delivery, sustained antigen release, and uptake by antigen-presenting cells—critical elements for robust immune response induction.

In preclinical studies, the inhaled vaccine demonstrated a remarkable ability to induce strong production of both IgG and IgA antibodies, along with a local T cell response. This collective immune response proved effective in safeguarding against SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice, hamsters, and non-human primates.

Furthermore, the researchers unveiled a mosaic iteration of the vaccine, co-displaying ancestral and Omicron antigens. This unique approach aims to broaden the antibody response, enhancing protection against co-circulating strains and specifically addressing the challenges posed by the Omicron variant.

The findings present this inhaled vaccine as a promising and versatile platform, not only for combating COVID-19 but also for addressing respiratory infectious diseases more broadly.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bharat Biotech, Sydney ID announce MoU to advance vaccine research initiative

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Bharat Biotech and the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute Tuesday announced a memorandum of understanding between them to advance vaccine research initiatives, strengthen academic-industry partnerships and augment global efforts to combat infectious diseases.

The agreement aims to build strong sectoral and cross-organisational collaborations to design novel methodologies to tackle future epidemics and infectious diseases, Bharat Biotech said in a statement. It also aims at leveraging academia-industry strengths to advance the science of vaccines and biotherapeutics, it added.

Dr Krishna Ella, the executive chairman at Bharat Biotech, said, “This agreement reflects our ethos to facilitate collaborative research, foster innovation, and further advance the science vaccine technology.”

“Mutually, we are excited about the new opportunities to strengthen our shared vision, leverage the prowess of education, and research capabilities to help build a healthier universe and improve people’s lives by developing safer vaccine platforms. Most importantly, build the talent of young scientists with a passion to innovate,” he said.

Also Read: US FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines for enhanced protection

Professor Jamie Triccas, the deputy director at Sydney ID said, “Positioning Sydney ID on a global scale to drive innovation and highlight our expertise in the development of new vaccines and biotherapeutics is paramount.”

“The reputational and societal impacts of developing novel vaccines to eradicate human and animal diseases that are safe, affordable, and effective cannot be overstated. Together with Bharat Biotech International Ltd, we aim to make a lasting impact on global health,” he said.

Vaccines are the most effective and cost-effective way to protect billions of people worldwide, with vaccine development potentially transforming health by removing the burden of life-threatening infectious diseases from the population, Triccas said.

India’s capabilities in manufacturing vaccines came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic where companies such as Bharat Biotech were able to provide vaccines that met over 60% of the world’s demand and supplied over 2.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the statement said.

Also Read: WHO authorizes emergency use of Novavax’s updated COVID vaccine

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow