coronavirus

‘Stratus’ COVID Variant Spreads Rapidly Across US, Here's What To Know About XFG Strain

ABP Live News — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:47:19 +0530

A new COVID-19 variant, known as XFG or “Stratus,” is surging across the United States, swiftly becoming the third-most common strain of the summer and raising concerns among health authorities. The fast-spreading variant, first detected in Southeast Asia in January, has also been reported in several European countries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), XFG accounted for virtually none of the cases in the US until April, when it registered at 2 per cent. By late May, it had climbed to 6 per cent, before doubling to 11 per cent in early June. Just weeks later, it reached 14 per cent, a sharp and steady rise.

High or very high case levels have been reported in states including Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. Meanwhile, infections are also on the rise in other parts of the country, such as New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.

Another strain, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed “Nimbus”, is also circulating widely in the US, with reports suggesting it often causes a severe sore throat.

What We Know About XFG

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes XFG as a recombinant variant, formed from lineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The earliest known sample was collected on January 27, 2025. In June, the WHO classified it as a “variant under monitoring” due to its increasing global spread.

Experts say the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, continues to evolve, picking up mutations that may help it evade immune defences. Professor Subhash Verma, a microbiology and immunology expert at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA Today that XFG’s mutations could potentially improve its ability to bypass immune responses.

However, the WHO currently assesses the public health risk posed by XFG as low, noting there is no evidence it causes more severe illness or markedly different symptoms compared to earlier Omicron strains. Current COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to protect against both symptomatic and severe disease caused by this variant.

Symptoms to Watch For

The CDC lists the following as common COVID-19 symptoms, which apply to infections caused by XFG:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting

With XFG’s presence growing, health officials continue to urge vaccination, mask use in crowded spaces, and testing for those experiencing symptoms.

Covid-19 Fear Grows In India With More Deaths, Over 4,800 Active Cases Recorded So Far

ABP Live News — Thu, 5 Jun 2025 11:45:36 +0530

India is witnessing a renewed surge in Covid-19 infections, with the country’s active case count climbing to 4,866, as per the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released on Thursday morning. In the last 24 hours alone, 564 new cases and 7 fatalities have been reported.

Of the seven deceased, three were from Maharashtra, while Delhi and Karnataka reported two deaths each. Six of the seven individuals who died were elderly and had pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and pneumonia. One of the deceased was a five-month-old male child with respiratory issues.

The resurgence has been attributed to new and emerging variants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant. Since May 22, active cases have soared from just 257 to nearly 5,000, sparking concerns across states and prompting advisories from the central government.

Among the worst-hit states are Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Delhi, which recorded 114, 112, 106, and 105 new cases respectively in the last 24 hours. Kerala continues to top the chart with the highest number of active cases at 1,487, followed by Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), and Maharashtra (526).

Statewise Covid-19 Snapshot

State	Active Cases	New Cases (Last 24 Hours)	Deaths (Last 24 Hours)
Kerala	1,487	+114	0
Maharashtra	526	+16	3
Gujarat	508	+47	0
Delhi	562	+105	2
West Bengal	538	+106	0
Karnataka	436	+112	2
Tamil Nadu	213	-3	0

In light of the situation, the central government has issued advisories to all states and union territories, urging them to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including oxygen and life-saving medications.

Health experts are also advising the public to remain vigilant and distinguish between Covid-19 and other viral fevers, as both share similar symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, are advised to exercise caution and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. The Indian Medical Association has recommended continued preventive measures, including mask-wearing and hand hygiene, to control the spread of the virus.

Covid Scare In India Persists As Cases Near 5000-Mark, 7 Deaths Recorded In 24 Hours

ABP Live News — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 10:44:28 +0530

Cases of Covid-19 in the country are on a rise with active infections pegged at 4,302, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The number of active cases in the country stood at 4,302 with 276 fresh infections reported in the last 24 hours.

Seven people succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours taking the nationwide toll to 44 while 3,281 patients have been discharged.

Among seven fatalities, from was from Maharashtra and one each from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. All the patients had comorbidities except the patient from Gujarat whose details were not known.

Kerala continued to report highest number of cases with 1,373 infections followed by Maharashtra (510), Gujarat (461), Delhi (457), and West Bengal (432).

108 New Covid-19 Cases In Gujarat, One Death; Active Caseload Rises To 461

PTI — Tue, 3 Jun 2025 20:39:55 +0530

Ahmedabad: Gujarat has recorded 108 new coronavirus positive cases and one death, the state health department said on Tuesday.

These cases were registered in the last 24 hours, taking the total count of active infections to 461, it said in a release.

One patient succumbed to the infection in this fresh wave, it said.

Of the total 461 active patients, 20 are hospitalised, while 441 others are receiving treatment in home isolation, it said, adding that 43 patients have also been discharged following recovery.

All the cases which are emerging in Gujarat are of the Omicron LF.7.9 and XFG Recombinant sub-variant, which causes mild fever and cough, the release said.

There is no need to panic as COVID-19 cases usually see a "rising trend" every 6 or 8 months, it added.

No information about the patient, who succumbed to the infection in this new wave, was given.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Karnataka On Alert As COVID-19 Cases Cross 300 Mark; Schools Resume With Precautions

ABP Live News — Tue, 3 Jun 2025 10:35:55 +0530

Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department has sounded an alert after the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 311. The rise in COVID-19 cases comes amid the schools reopening after the summer break. Following this, authorities closely monitor the situation, especially with the resurgence of related respiratory infections.

In the latest 24-hour reporting period, 87 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed from a pool of 504 tests, resulting in a test positivity rate of 17.2%, as per a report on IANS. Despite the uptick in cases, no fatalities have been reported, and the case fatality rate remains at zero. A total of 29 patients recovered and were discharged during the same timeframe.

The department noted that out of the 311 active cases, 297 individuals are in home isolation, while 14 have been hospitalised. Among those admitted, three are in intensive care units across government and private facilities.

Health officials have expressed growing concern over the rising cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and influenza. Last week alone, 154 SARI cases were recorded statewide. The government has begun testing SARI and influenza patients for COVID-19 to rule out possible overlaps.

Precautionary Measures In Schools

With schools reopening on Monday, many institutions in Bengaluru and across the state-enforced health protocols. Students and staff were seen wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, reported Deccan Herald.

The state government also issued an advisory urging parents not to send children to school if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold.

Expanding Home Health Services

In parallel, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the expansion of Gruha Arogya Yojana (Home Health Scheme). The initiative will now include screening for 14 non-communicable diseases aiming to tackle health threats proactively. The minister stressed the need for preventive care, noting that while the private sector focuses on treatment, the responsibility of prevention must be shouldered by the government.

Maharashtra Logs 65 New COVID Cases; Total Since Jan At 814, 457 Infections Reported In May Alone

PTI — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 22:59:05 +0530

Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) Maharashtra on Sunday reported 65 COVID-19 cases, taking the state's tally since January 1 this year to 814, a health official said.

The 65 cases comprise 31 from Pune, 22 from Mumbai, nine from Thane, two from Kolhapur and one from Nagpur, a health department statement informed.

The active cases in the state as on date stands at 506, while 300 have recovered, it said.

Eight have succumbed to the ailment since the start of the year, seven of whom had co-morbidities.

One of the deceased had hypocalcemic seizures with nephrotic syndrome, the second had cancer, the third had cerebral infarction with seizures, while another had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA with LRTI), the statement said.

One of the deceased was suffering from ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease) and another had diabetes since 2014 and had also suffered a stroke, while the seventh had severe ARDS with dilated aortic regurgitation. The eight fatality was a 47-year-old woman and her symptoms included fever and shortness of breath, the health department said.

In Mumbai, the number of cases since January 1 stands at 463, one each being recorded in January and February, four in April and 457 in May. March did not see any case getting detected in the metropolis.

The number of COVID-19 tests conducted in Maharashtra in 2025 was 11,501, of which 814 returned positive.

All the diagnosed cases are of mild nature and patients are being given regular treatment, the health department pointed out.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

India Reports 336 Fresh Covid Cases With Tally Over 3,700

ABP Live News — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 14:13:44 +0530

India’s active COVID-19 caseload has risen sharply to 3,758, with 363 fresh cases and four additional deaths recorded in the last 24 hours, as per the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

The four fatalities were reported across multiple states: one each in Kerala and Karnataka, and two in West Bengal. Kerala, which remains the hardest-hit state, currently accounts for 1,400 of the active cases. Other states with significant numbers include Maharashtra (485), Delhi (436), Gujarat (320), and West Bengal (287), as per the ministry's data/

This recent surge in cases marks a noticeable uptick. Just a week ago, on May 22, India had only 257 active COVID cases. By May 26, the number had climbed to 1,010, and as of Saturday, it had more than tripled to 3,395.

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In terms of new infections, West Bengal saw the highest number with 82 cases, followed by Kerala (64), Delhi (61), and Gujarat (55), the data reveals.

Experts Urge Public To Stay Calm

However, despite the surge in cases, health experts have urged the public to stay calm. Rajiv Behl, Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), stressed that recent genome sequencing of samples from the western and southern regions shows that the current wave is driven by subvariants of the Omicron strain. While the variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—are causing the rise in cases and early findings suggest they are relatively mild.

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"We’ve been closely monitoring the situation, and while we should remain vigilant, there’s no need for panic at this stage," Behl reassured the public.

As India navigates this new wave, authorities continue to advise caution, urging people to follow safety guidelines while stressing that, so far, the severity of the current strains remains manageable.

63-Year-Old Covid Positive Man Dies In Karnataka, Total Death Toll In State Rises To 3

PTI — Fri, 30 May 2025 23:53:06 +0530

Bengaluru, May 30 (PTI) A 63-year-old man who tested positive for Covid-19 died at a private hospital in Mysuru, taking the total coronavirus-related death toll in the state to three, officials said on Friday.

The deceased, who was admitted to the hospital on May 15 died on May 25, they said.

According to a statement by the health department, the patient died due to septic shock with MODS (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome), AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) with oliguria, Covid pneumonia with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and Hyponatremia.

The patient, it further, stated had comorbidities like CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and Bronchiectasis.

The health department bulletin pegged active Covid-19 cases at 234 in Karnataka as of May 30, with 114 new cases reported on Friday.

The day also saw a total of 460 tests being done for Covid, including 406 RTPCR and 54 RAT tests. Friday's positivity rate stood at 24.7 per cent and fatality rate at 0.8 per cent.

According to the department, Covid-19 testing should be done in all SARI cases and only in 5 per cent of ILI cases, throat swab samples should be submitted to designated laboratories for RT-PCR testing to confirm coronavirus infection.

"All tests should be conducted in government laboratories and the available Covid-19 test kits should be used on a FIFO (First-in-First-Out) basis to avoid wastage of coronavirus kits/equipment," it stated.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

COVID-19 Update: Maharashtra Logs 84 New Cases, Mizoram Sees First Infections After 7 Months

ABP Live News — Fri, 30 May 2025 21:43:40 +0530

Amid the new covid cases across the country, 84 new cases were reported in Maharashtra on Friday, taking the tally of cases to 681, the state public health department said. Most of the patients have mild symptoms, and people should not panic, it said in a release, reports news agency PTI.

Of the total number of new cases, 32 were detected in Mumbai, two in Thane district, 14 in Thane Municipal Corporation limits, one in Navi Mumbai, one in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, two in Raigad district, one in Panvel, one in Nashik city, one in Pune district, 19 in Pune Municipal Corporation, three in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, two in Satara, one in Kolhapur district, one in Kolhapur Municipal Corporation, and three in Sangli Municipal Corporation limits, the report further added, quoting the department. The state has a total of 467 active cases in the state, while the number of cases in Mumbai since January 2025 stood at 411.

The release by the department mentioned that the cases diagnosed are mild in nature. The number of COVID-19 tests conducted since January was 10,324, of which 681 came out positive. Since January 1, seven COVID-19 patients, including six with co-morbidities and 1 with other diseases, have died in the state.

The health department added that adequate coronavirus testing and treatment facilities are available in the state and the people should not panic.

In Mizoram, two people have tested positive for Covid-19, seven months after the last such case was reported, reports news agency PTI quoting the health department officials. The patients are undergoing treatment at Zoram Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) in Falkawn near Aizawl.

The last case in Mizoram was reported in October 2024, during which 73 people had contracted the virus in the state. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the state's health department on Friday issued advisories and urged people not to panic.

Rajasthan Records 54 Cases, One Death

In Rajasthan, Health Minister Gajendra Singh said on Friday that the state has reported 54 cases and one death so far. The minister also clarified that the death was linked to comorbidities, particularly tuberculosis, and that the current variant in circulation resembles the common flu.

"So far, 54 cases have been reported, and one death has occurred. However, the patient was severely affected by tuberculosis. As of now, only one patient is admitted to SMS Hospital--a child infected with the Omicron variant, which is not very serious. It presents symptoms similar to the common flu. There is no cause for concern at the moment. There's no significant spread at the moment, but people are still advised to take necessary precautions," Singh told ANI.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI.)

60-Year-Old Dies Of COVID Near Chennai; India’s Toll Rises To 13

ABP Live News — Wed, 28 May 2025 15:34:52 +0530

A 60-year-old resident of Maraimalai Nagar near Chengalpattu succumbed to COVID-19 while being shifted to Chennai’s Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital at midnight, marking the first fatality in Tamil Nadu amid an overall decline in weekly case numbers.

The patient, who had been undergoing treatment at KK Nagar ESI Hospital for other health issues, tested positive for COVID-19 before his condition deteriorated, as per a report on ABP Nadu. Officials confirmed that he passed away en route to the Chennai facility.

The incident comes just days after the state reported a significant dip in new COVID-19 infections with only three fresh cases recorded between May 19 and 26. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 60 patients were discharged during the same period.

'Long Covid Likely Causes Sleep Disturbances, Poor Appetite': Study

Meanwhile, a recent study conducted in the US has found that infants under two years old suffering from long COVID are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, fussiness, poor appetite, nasal congestion, and cough. The children aged three to five commonly report symptoms such as dry cough and fatigue.

"Children with these symptoms often had worse overall health, lower quality of life, and delays in development," co-first author Tanayott Thaweethai, associate director of biostatistics research and engagement at Massachusetts General Hospital, US, said, as per a report on PTI.

Long COVID refers to lingering symptoms that persist well beyond the initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 infection. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, is part of the US National Institutes of Health's 'RECOVER' initiative, which aims to improve understanding and prevention of long COVID.

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