India Covid Cases: Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad Report Sharp Rise Amid JN.1 Variant Concerns

India is witnessing a notable increase in Covid-19 cases in several major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, as health authorities remain vigilant about the resurgence of infections linked to the JN.1 variant. While the overall case numbers remain relatively low compared to previous waves, the recent trend has raised concerns among public health officials.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in states where the surge is more pronounced. In Mumbai, the city has reported 95 new cases in May, marking a significant increase compared to the state’s total of 106 cases since January. At least 16 individuals are currently hospitalized, with most being transferred from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to minimize the risk of transmission.

Authorities are conducting tests for all patients presenting with influenza-like illness or severe acute respiratory infection symptoms to rule out Covid-19. In Pune, municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure, despite the city having no active cases in public hospitals. Dr Nina Borade, health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation, noted that there is currently only one patient in May, an 87-year-old who has recovered fully.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, 12 new cases have been reported in Puducherry, and doctors are observing a shift in symptoms, with fevers increasingly linked to Covid-19. Surgeons in some hospitals have delayed critical procedures, including organ transplants and heart surgeries, due to the risk of infection. Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert, noted that the share of Covid-19 among viral cases has risen, with the majority of positive samples now attributed to the virus rather than influenza.

Public health director Dr T S Selvavinayagam emphasized that while the situation requires caution, there is no need for panic. He explained that Covid-19 has been circulating at low levels with seasonal peaks, and the virus remains endemic. In Karnataka, 16 active cases have been confirmed, while in Gujarat, seven new cases were detected in Ahmedabad on a single day, an unusual spike in a city that has averaged just one case per month over the past year.

All seven patients in Gujarat are in home isolation, and their samples have been sent for genomic testing. Officials in Gujarat have noted that all active cases are of the milder Omicron JN.1 variant, with no hospitalizations required. They urged the public not to panic and to continue following basic precautions.

Health experts have advised the public, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, to resume basic precautions such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent handwashing. Doctors also recommend influenza vaccination to reduce the risk and severity of co-infections.

Although the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally. In India, most cases remain mild, and there have been no deaths or ICU admissions linked to the latest uptick. Health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus.