ICMR flags rise in mild Covid cases, urges vigilance, not panic

A fresh uptick in Covid-19 cases across parts of India has prompted officials to reassure the public, urging caution but not panic.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that the recent rise is linked to Omicron subvariants — JN.1, LF.7, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 — all of which are currently associated with only mild symptoms.

“Surveillance is underway to determine the reasons behind the increase in cases, and the government is making necessary preparations. The four variants that we have found are subvariants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. But more samples are being tested for further information,” said ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl.

He confirmed that India is witnessing a small but noticeable increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections since late April.

“There is a slight increase. Until March, there were almost zero cases of SARS-CoV-2; all the respiratory illness cases were either influenza A or B or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and one or two cases of the human metapneumovirus. Since the end of April, we have been seeing more cases of SARS-CoV-2. The virus is here; it’s circulating,” he said.

Despite the rise in cases, Bahl assured the public that the situation remains under control, citing robust testing and monitoring efforts.

"ICMR runs in 73 labs in medical colleges across the country. Samples are taken from both severe and non-severe patients of SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) and ILI (Influenza-like Illnesses). We test for all six or seven common viruses in every patient; so, it is not that we have suddenly started testing for Covid,” he added.

Bahl continued, "There is no need to be alarmed... Only isolated mild cases have been reported so far. But should we be complacent? The answer is no. Should we be vigilant? The answer is yes."

"At this moment, there is no evidence that any one of the circulating variants causes more severe disease than the previous variants. There is an evolution of variants across the world… It is a sub-variant of Omicron that we have seen — the BA.2.86 that has a sub-variant called JN.1,” he added.

He remarked, "There is JN.1, LF.7, XFG, and NB.1.8.1. However, all these have evolved from the Omicron variant BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola) either in pure or recombinant form. None of them, however, have been shown to be more severe than what we already know about Covid-19."

Addressing concerns over vaccine availability, Dr Bahl explained, "We do not make a vaccine for every variant… We do have the ability to make a vaccine against a variant, but we don’t need to make a vaccine. The need for the vaccine is to prevent severe disease and death; we have never given vaccines to prevent mild Covid cases. If severe cases and death are not happening in large numbers, then we don’t need to give vaccines. We are seeing about 1,000 cases currently; if this number increases, then we will consider what is the best vaccine to give."

Echoing the ICMR’s stance, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh also urged residents to stay calm as the capital reported 104 active Covid-19 cases.

“We have advised hospitals to be ready with beds, oxygen, essential medicines, and equipment, just in case. This is a part of standard preparedness,” Singh said.

“There is no need to worry. Covid-19 caused by the new variant is similar to a normal viral illness. The patients who have come in so far are experiencing mild symptoms like fever, cough, and cold,” he added, assuring that Delhi’s healthcare system is “200% prepared.”

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India currently has 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala accounting for the highest number at 430. A total of 752 new cases were confirmed recently.