COVID

New variant Stratus causes spike in Covid-19 cases: What are its symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants, including fever, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhoea

Stratus Update: How XFG is likely to become the next dominant Covid variant

A new Covid variant XFG, nicknamed 'Stratus', has been found in 38 countries. According to an expert, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50 per cent followed by Spain at 42 per cent, and the United Kingdom and United States with more than 30 per cent each

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.