COVID-19 cases surge in Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu

Health authorities in India are monitoring a steady rise in Covid-19 infections across several states, even as case numbers remain low relative to previous waves. The uptick follows a resurgence in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have reported a small but noticeable increase in cases.

While the World Health Organisation declared the pandemic phase over in May 2023, Covid-19 continues to circulate globally in an endemic form. In India, recent cases have remained mild, with no deaths or ICU admissions reported in connection with the current increase.

Since May 12, India has reported 164 new Covid-19 cases, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Covid-19 dashboard. The highest increase in active cases has been recorded in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. As of May 19, the country had a total of 257 active COVID-19 cases. Kerala currently has 95 active cases with 69 reported since May 12.

In Maharashtra, there are currently 56 active Covid-19 cases, with 44 reported in the week following May 12. The majority of these cases have been reported from Mumbai. Authorities are testing all patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid-19. Testing in civic hospitals has reportedly been paused for now, as local authorities await updated central guidelines.

Tamil Nadu has reported 34 new Covid-19 cases since May 12. An increasing number of fevers initially attributed to influenza are now testing positive for Covid-19. Reports from local hospitals indicate a growing share of Covid-19 among recent viral cases, marking a shift from the predominance of influenza strains two weeks earlier.

In Karnataka, according to the data from the COVID-19 dashboard, a total of 13 active Covid-19 cases have been reported. Gujarat has reported seven new cases in Ahmedabad in a single day, a notable spike in a city that has averaged one case per month over the past year.

Health authorities have thus, advised high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions, to resume basic preventive measures such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent hand hygiene. Influenza vaccination has also been recommended to reduce the risk and severity of potential co-infections.