coronavirus

Fresh Covid-19 Cases Reported In UP, Maharashtra And Andhra Pradesh; Will The Pandemic Return In 2026?

ABP Live Lifestyle — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:26:37 +0530

Fresh COVID-19 cases reported from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have sparked renewed discussions on social media, with many questioning whether India could witness another large-scale outbreak or even a lockdown. Viral posts have fuelled anxiety, but health experts and government officials say there is no reason to panic. According to doctors, COVID-19 has not disappeared completely. Like several other respiratory viruses, it continues to circulate at low levels and isolated cases are expected from time to time. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and there is currently no indication of a nationwide health emergency.

Fresh Covid-19 Cases Reported In Multiple States

Health departments have stepped up surveillance after new infections were detected in different parts of the country.

Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi): A 27-year-old man from Ashapuri in Varanasi tested positive for COVID-19 after seeking treatment for breathing difficulties at the Chest and TB Department of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He is currently undergoing treatment, and doctors say the case is a reminder that the virus is still present, although its spread is much lower than during previous waves.

Andhra Pradesh: The state has reported eight active COVID-19 cases. According to reports, two COVID-related deaths have been recorded in recent weeks, including a 46-year-old man from Kadapa. Health authorities have sent patient samples for genome sequencing to identify the circulating variant and monitor any changes in the virus.

Maharashtra (Mumbai): A fresh COVID-19 case has also been reported in Mumbai. Singer Kumar Sanu's son, Jaan Kumar Sanu, recently confirmed that he had tested positive and is recovering under medical supervision.

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What Experts Say And How Authorities Are Prepared

Medical experts say COVID-19 has now entered the endemic phase, meaning the virus continues to exist in the community but is generally managed through routine healthcare rather than emergency measures. Vaccination and previous infections have helped build immunity in the population, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness for most people. As a precaution, state governments and health departments have activated surveillance systems, formed rapid response teams and asked hospitals to remain prepared. Government and major private hospitals have been instructed to keep isolation beds, testing kits, PPE kits, N95 masks and essential medicines readily available in case the number of infections rises.

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Is There Any Risk Of Another Lockdown?

Health officials have clarified that rumours about a nationwide lockdown in 2026 are baseless. At present, there are no restrictions on travel, schools, colleges or workplaces, and mask-wearing has not been made mandatory. However, doctors advise people with weakened immunity, senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or hypertension to remain cautious. Anyone experiencing persistent fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing should consult a doctor and get tested if advised. Experts also recommend maintaining good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing a mask in crowded places or hospitals if you are unwell or at higher risk. Staying informed through official health advisories rather than social media rumours remains the best way to avoid unnecessary panic.

46-Year-Old Andhra Man Dies Of Covid; Health Officials Launch Contact Tracing In Kadapa

Bharathi SP — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:12:38 +0530

A 46-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district has died after being diagnosed with Covid-19, with health officials saying his condition failed to improve despite several days of intensive treatment. Authorities have since initiated contact tracing and sanitisation measures in the area where he lived to prevent any further spread of the virus.

The deceased was a resident of the Masapeta locality in Kadapa. District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Ravi Babu said the man had been admitted to hospital after developing severe respiratory complications, including acute breathlessness and a persistent cough.

Patient's Condition Worsened Despite Treatment

Speaking to PTI, Ravi Babu said the patient had a history of alcohol dependence and sought medical care after experiencing serious breathing difficulties.

Babu said, "A 46-year-old man from Masapeta area in Kadapa succumbed to Covid-19. He was an alcoholic. He was suffering from severe breathlessness and cough, describing the circumstances that led to the man's hospitalization."

According to the health official, doctors initially treated the patient with high-dose antibiotics in an attempt to control the illness. However, there was no improvement even after four days of treatment, raising concerns that an underlying viral infection could be responsible for his deteriorating condition.

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CT Scan Confirmed Covid-19 Infection

Ravi Babu said an X-ray conducted at the hospital revealed extensive damage to both lungs, which had progressed to pneumonia. As the patient's condition continued to worsen without responding to antibiotics, doctors decided to conduct a CT scan.

The scan confirmed that the patient had contracted Covid-19. Despite continued medical care, he succumbed to the infection after four days in hospital.

Health officials noted that the patient's severe respiratory symptoms, coupled with the lack of response to conventional treatment, prompted further investigations that ultimately led to the Covid-19 diagnosis.

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Health Department Begins Preventive Measures

Following the death, the district health department launched precautionary measures in Masapeta to minimise the risk of transmission.

According to Ravi Babu, authorities have sanitised the locality and initiated contact tracing to identify people who may have come into contact with the deceased. The exercise includes tracking both primary and secondary contacts as part of standard public health protocol.

Officials said these containment measures have been implemented as a precaution while surveillance continues in the area. The health department has urged residents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as persistent cough, fever or breathing difficulties.

Small Genetic Mutation Can Change How SARS-CoV-2 Behaves: Study

ABP Live Lifestyle — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:07:49 +0530

Although viruses are known to undergo continual mutation, not all genetic alterations have a significant effect. Sometimes, a single mutation can change a virus's behavior, its ability to spread and even whether it can infect a new species. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that as viruses reproduce, they naturally pick up mutations, some of which can alter their transmissibility, severity or capacity to adapt to new hosts. Researchers who want to forecast and stop future outbreaks have made it a top priority to comprehend these genetic changes.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and partner institutions have discovered a single genetic alteration that seems to affect how closely related coronaviruses behave in various species. The results, which were published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, provide new information about how animal viruses might develop the capacity to infect people and cause illness.

Tiny Difference With Major Consequences

RaTG13, a closely similar coronavirus found in bats and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, were compared by the researchers. Despite having a similar genetic composition, the two viruses interact with their hosts in somewhat distinct ways.

In order to find out why, researchers created the first laboratory-grown lung cell line from the larger horseshoe bat, which enables them to examine the behaviour of both viruses in human and bat lung cells under comparable circumstances. They concentrated on Orf9b, a viral protein that aids coronaviruses in avoiding the host's immune system. Surprisingly, there was just one amino acid difference across the Orf9b proteins, yet that small difference significantly altered how each virus interacted with immune defences.

The study found that the SARS-CoV-2 form of the protein was far more successful in inhibiting the body's initial antiviral response, which allowed the virus to multiply more effectively in human cells.

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Why The Discovery Matters

The results, according to scientists, advance our knowledge of spillover events, the process by which viruses that are circulating in animals adapt and infect humans. Animal coronaviruses were the source of earlier outbreaks such as SARS, MERS and COVID-19, before they spread to humans.

The WHO states that it is crucial to keep an eye on viral evolution because changes that enhance a virus's capacity to infect new hosts or elude immune responses might lead to the creation of new variations. Finding the mutations with the biggest biological impact could help bolster international surveillance networks and increase readiness for pandemics in the future.

These kinds of findings, according to researchers, may help them better identify high-risk viruses before they cause epidemics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that genome surveillance makes it possible for scientists to track the evolution of viruses, spot significant alterations and react more quickly to new dangers to public health. While viruses are still circulating in animal populations, scientists aim to find genetic fingerprints associated with immune evasion or improved infectivity rather than waiting for a virus to proliferate widely.

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Not Every Mutation Leads To A New Pandemic

The finding does not imply that a single mutation can start a new pandemic, researchers warn. Before a virus can establish long-term transmission in people, it must overcome several biological obstacles. A virus's ability to transmit between individuals is influenced by a number of factors, including receptor binding, immune evasion, viral replication and environmental factors. However, scientists think the discovery offers a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Researchers may be able to identify potentially harmful animal viruses sooner and prioritise them for surveillance by identifying genetic alterations that increase a virus's capacity to suppress immune defences. Such findings could be crucial in bolstering pandemic preparedness and directing the creation of next-generation antiviral treatments and vaccines as genome sequencing advances globally.

New Covid-Like Virus In Thai Bats Show Ability To Infect Human Cells, Study Finds

Vaishnavi Shivam — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:01:09 +0530

Scientists from Japan and Thailand have identified a new group of coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 in horseshoe bats living in Thailand, raising fresh questions about how such viruses evolve and spread in nature.

The discovery was made by researchers from the Institute of Medical Science at The University of Tokyo and Chulalongkorn University. According to the university statement, the newly identified viruses have the ability to infect human cells, although researchers stressed that the specific viruses studied do not currently pose a threat to people.

The findings were published in the journal Cell on May 6, 2026.

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Why Horseshoe Bats Are Drawing Global Attention

Horseshoe bats are considered the primary natural hosts of coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, scientists say much remains unknown about the diversity of these viruses, especially across Southeast Asia, home to the world’s largest variety of horseshoe bat species.

To better understand these viruses, researchers collected samples from acuminate horseshoe bats in Thailand and studied how the newly discovered viruses compared with SARS-CoV-2.

Their investigation combined wildlife virus surveillance, laboratory experiments, and computational analysis to trace how the viruses may have moved geographically and evolved over time.

Discovery Of A New Coronavirus Group

The study identified a newly recognised category of SARS-CoV-2-related viruses, referred to as 'Clade B.'

What makes this finding particularly significant is that Clade B viruses were found circulating alongside another previously identified group, called Clade A, inside the same artificial cave in Thailand’s Chachoengsao Province. In some cases, both virus groups were detected in the same bat.

Researchers noted a key distinction between the two clades. Unlike Clade A viruses, the newly identified Clade B viruses can use the same human receptor, ACE2, that SARS-CoV-2 relies on to infect human cells.

This suggests that different coronavirus groups can coexist within the same bat populations while potentially exchanging genetic material through recombination, a process that may alter how the viruses behave.

Laboratory Tests Reveal Lower Risk To Humans

To better understand the virus, researchers synthetically produced a representative Clade B virus known as RacCS20637 and studied its behaviour under strict Biosafety Level 3 laboratory conditions in Japan.

The experiments showed that although the virus could bind efficiently to the human ACE2 receptor, it replicated much more slowly in human cells than SARS-CoV-2.

Animal studies also offered reassuring results. Infected hamsters showed little to no signs of disease, and the virus did not spread between animals.

Researchers said these findings indicate that the virus performs far less effectively in humans compared to SARS-CoV-2.

Existing Vaccines And Antiviral Drugs Remain Effective

The study also found that RacCS20637 could be neutralised by blood serum from individuals who had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, currently available antiviral drugs used against SARS-CoV-2 were found to work effectively against the virus.

While the researchers emphasised that this specific coronavirus group does not currently threaten humans, they warned that only small genetic changes may be needed for related viruses to alter their properties.

‘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.)