India reports 335 new COVID cases and 5 deaths, active cases exceed 1,700
Covid-19 cases: India witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases as 335 fresh infections were reported on Sunday, elevating the active caseload to 1,701, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry.
The data indicated five fatalities due to the virus, with four reported in Kerala and one in Uttar Pradesh. Kerala, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 surfaced, witnessed a notable rise in fatalities, contributing to the overall toll. The nation's total Covid caseload stood at 4.50 crore (4,50,04,816), with 4.46 crore (4,44,69,799) recoveries. The national recovery rate held firm at 98.81%, as highlighted by the Health Ministry.
The grim tally of Covid-related deaths reached 5,33,316, accounting for a case fatality rate of 1.19%. India continued its extensive vaccination campaign, administering approximately 220.67 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine.
In a notable development, a case of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 emerged in Kerala, detected during routine surveillance by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The variant was found in a 79-year-old woman from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, confirmed the case, mentioning the positive RT-PCR sample from November 18, with the woman having mild Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symptoms.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George sought to allay concerns about the sub-variant, assuring that it was previously detected in Indian passengers screened at Singapore airport months ago. She emphasized that identifying the variant in Kerala through genome sequencing was not a cause for alarm.
"There is no need for any concern. It's a sub-variant. It was just found here. Months ago, this variant was detected in a few Indians who were screened at the Singapore airport. It's just that Kerala has identified the variant here through genome sequencing. There is no need to worry. The situation is being closely monitored," she reassured.
While urging caution, especially among those with underlying health conditions, the state health minister emphasised ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the situation.
- With inputs from agencies
