COVID

Who is the Chinese hacker the US is accusing of stealing vaccine secrets?

A Chinese tech worker, Xu Zewei, was arrested in Milan at the request of the US for allegedly hacking American Covid-19 vaccine research during the pandemic. Tied to the Chinese state-linked Hafnium group, Xu now faces extradition, putting Italy in a diplomatic bind between Washington and Beijing

No clear answer on Covid-19 origin, WHO experts conclude after three-year-long probe

After more than three years of work, WHO’s expert group was unable to get the necessary data to evaluate whether or not Covid-19 was the result of a lab accident

Covid-19: Maharashtra reports 13 new cases & 1 death; total since January rises to 2,462

Maharashtra on Friday recorded 13 new cases of Covid-19, which took the tally of infections to 2,462, and one death

Another virus scare from China: Scientists find new health threats in Chinese bats

Chinese researchers have identified 22 new viruses in kidney tissues from 142 bats. Two of them resemble Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, which can cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness

Covid in India: Death toll crosses 100 in current wave, Kerala leads national caseload

On Monday, 11 deaths were recorded, taking the total number of deaths to 108. While seven of these deaths were from Kerala, one each occurred in Delhi, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh

RT-PCR test for Cabinet ministers? What rules are in place for rest of India

Experts have recommended maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded areas.

Explained: What is the new XFG variant detected in India amid rising Covid cases?

A newly emerging strain called 'XFG' has now been detected in India, with the Covid-19 case tally surpassing 6,500. According to Insacog, the government agency monitoring the different variants, as many as 163 cases of the XFG variant have been reported in India so far, with the most from Maharashtra (89). Is there a reason to worry?

Dr explains: Why booster shots are crucial even with mild Covid-19 symptoms prevailing

India is experiencing a mild surge in Covid-19 cases driven by new Omicron subvariants, with mostly mild symptoms. Experts stress the importance of boosters, surveillance and protecting vulnerable groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and the country’s preparedness in tackling the evolving situation.

New cases over 4,000, India holds Covid mock drill today for hospital checks

On Wednesday, India recorded 276 new Covid cases, with seven deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest toll was recorded in Maharashtra at four and one fatality each in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat. The total number of deaths now stands at 44

How rising Covid cases is causing a rush at OPDs in Indian hospitals

Outpatient departments (OPDs) at Indian hospitals are seeing a three-time rise in footfalls in the past 10 days. Doctors attribute this to the Covid surge in the country — as of Monday, the country has a total of 3,961 active cases. But despite the rise in infections, medical experts note that the situation is under control