Gujarat has reported its first case of the new COVID-19 variant LF.7, raising concern. So far, only four LF.7 cases have been found across the country. One case of another variant, NB 1.8.1, has also been reported in India.
Key symptoms of the new variant
In the last two weeks, COVID-19 cases have gone up, mainly due to two variants: LF.7 and NB 1.8.1. The WHO is studying both. Early data shows these variants are behind the recent rise in infections.
Common symptoms include throat irritation, tiredness, mild cough, fever, body pain, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and stomach issues. NB 1.8.1 is said to spread faster than earlier variants.
Officials haven’t revealed the exact location in Gujarat where the first LF.7 case was found. All COVID-positive patients are going through genome sequencing to identify the variant. Gujarat currently has 28 active cases, making it the fourth-highest in the country. Experts say there’s no major reason to worry right now.
COVID-19 across India
The number of active cases has crossed 1,000 in the country, with Maharashtra (a neighbouring state of Gujarat) reporting 209 cases and Gujarat reporting 83 cases. The Ministry of Health and state governments are closely monitoring the situation.
According to data released on Monday by the Ministry of Health, the total number of active cases in India has reached 1,009, of which 752 have been confirmed. Two weeks ago, this number stood at 257, but a sudden increase was recorded on Monday. So far, seven deaths have been recorded due to these new variants—four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.
State-wise COVID-19 cases
The highest number of COVID-19 cases has been reported in Kerala, with 430 active cases. Other states include Maharashtra (209), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), and Karnataka (47). Uttar Pradesh has 15 cases, Rajasthan 13, West Bengal 12, Puducherry and Haryana 9 each, Andhra Pradesh 4, Madhya Pradesh 2, and Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Telangana with one case each. The total number of active cases in India is now 1,009. Several states like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir currently have no active cases.
According to official sources from the Health Ministry, a high-level review meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Participants included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals. Continuous monitoring and assessment of the situation are underway.
The national capital, Delhi, has also seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, with 104 active cases reported. Recently, Delhi’s Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh addressed the public through a video message, urging people not to panic. He stated, “I don’t think there is any reason to worry. All our hospitals are fully prepared for any situation. Adequate arrangements, including oxygen, are in place. If any emergency arises, we are fully ready.” An advisory on COVID-19 has also been issued in Delhi.