 "Covid scare in India: 7 dead in past 24 hours, over 2,700 cases recorded; Kerala, Maharashtra worst hit")
Covid-19 cases in India surged past 2,700 ahead of the weekend, with Kerala and Maharashtra states reporting the highest number of cases.
As per the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala has recorded 1,147 cases, becoming the only state in the country to breach the 1,000 mark. Maharashtra has reported 424 cases, with Delhi (294) and Gujarat (223) at the third and fourth place respectively.
7 deaths in past 24 hours
In an alarming development, seven deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours, taking the total Covid death toll to 22 during the fresh wave.
In the past 24 hours, Maharashtra has reported two deaths, while Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have registered one each.
The health ministry Saturday (May 31) identified the Delhi patient as a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction post-abdominal surgery in whom Covid-19 was detected.
Despite the surge, health authorities in India have said there is no need to panic as most cases have been reported to be mild.
What’s causing the latest surge?
Two new Omicron sub-variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8.1, are thought to be causing the recent rise in Covid cases , although JN.1 is still the main strain in the country.
So far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not labelled LF.7 or NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs).
Experts say that while these new variants might be able to bypass immunity to some degree, there is no proof they lead to serious long-term illness.
The symptoms are mostly similar to those of the common flu. Some of these symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue.
With the increase in cases, several states have asked hospitals to ensure enough beds, oxygen cylinders, testing kits, and vaccines are available. Older people and those with other health conditions are advised to wear masks in crowded places.
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