Covid-19 variants in circulation not more transmissible than previous ones, say top health experts

The national IHR (International Health Regulations) focal points in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have conveyed to the Union Health Ministry that the Covid-19 virus variants currently in circulation in these countries are not more transmissible and do not cause more severe disease compared to the previously circulating variants.

The Union Ministry sought the clarification after some media reports suggested an increase in Covid-19 cases in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries in the recent past.

A review meeting was also conducted by the Union Health Secretary with the Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), DGHS, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), etc., to take stock of Covid-19 infections in India as well, on May 24.

Some Covid-19 cases have been reported mainly from states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc. Most of these cases are mild and under home care, official sources informed. The last official update given by the Health Ministry stated that India had 257 Covid-19 cases as of May 19. The ministry’s next weekly update on Covid-19 case status is expected on May 26.

According to them, the country has a robust pan-India system for surveillance of respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s pan-India respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network.

“The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely,” ministry officials pointed out.

Several state governments, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have also issued Covid-19 advisories to assure the public that the current variants in circulation are causing only mild infections and are not life-threatening. The state governments also say they are prepared to face any public health threats.

“In view of reports of a few Covid cases, the Health Department of the Government of Delhi has released a precautionary advisory. This was for routine surveillance. There is no cause for concern. We are committed to monitoring the situation,” Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, said.

Meanwhile, Indian vaccine makers say they have not seen any demand for Covid-19 vaccines at the moment.

“Our Covid-19 vaccine platforms—both the injectable and intranasal—are enabled for adaptation to circulating strains,” said a spokesperson for Bharat Biotech International, the developer and manufacturer of COVAXIN, India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine.