- By Yashashvi Tak
- Sun, 25 May 2025 11:08 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka reported its first COVID-19 fatality of 2025 on Saturday after an 85-year-old man with severe comorbidities died of multi-organ failure in Bengaluru and later tested positive for the virus, health officials confirmed. According to the health department, the Whitefield resident died on May 17. The COVID-19 test, conducted while he was still alive, returned a positive result on Saturday. A total of 38 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state so far, including 32 in Bengaluru, the health department said.
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The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare issued a new advisory on Friday in response to a gradual increase in Covid-19 cases, especially in Bengaluru.
“A Covid test was conducted, and the results received on Saturday confirmed the infection,” said a health official.
Meanwhile, in Belagavi, a 24-year-old pregnant woman has tested positive for COVID-19.
Karnataka Covid-19 Advisory
1. Vulnerable groups, pregnant women, children, people with weakened immune systems, and those with pre-existing health conditions, should wear face masks in crowded places.
2. All citizens are urged to maintain hand hygiene and use hand sanitizers regularly.
Individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should get tested for COVID-19 promptly.
3. Early detection is crucial for timely treatment and to prevent the spread of the virus.
4. Despite currently low case numbers, community cooperation is essential to prevent a resurgence.
New Subvariants NB.1.8.1 Of Covid Has Been Detected In India
As multiple states report a rise in COVID-19 cases, India has detected at least one sample of a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1. Collected and sequenced in April, this sample from Tamil Nadu has been submitted to the country’s COVID-19 genome sequencing consortium, INSACOG.
The current surge is driven by the JN.1 variant, a descendant of Omicron, along with its subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8. Despite the increase, cases remain mild with no significant hospitalisations or deaths reported.
What is NB.1.8.1?
The World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution has classified the SARS-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1 as a ‘Variant Under Monitoring.’ This designation indicates the variant has notable changes in its viral characteristics, though its epidemiological impact is still uncertain.
The NB.1.8.1 variant, derived from recombinant ancestor XDV.1.5.1 (first detected Jan 22, 2025), has six spike protein mutations compared to LP 8.1 and eight to JN.1. Some mutations may increase transmission and immune evasion. As of May 18, 518 sequences from 22 countries represent 10.7 per cent of global data.
Covid-19 Cases In India
Amid a significant rise in Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian countries over the past week, India has also experienced a surge. Of the 257 cases reported nationwide, most are from Kerala (95), Tamil Nadu (66), and Maharashtra (56). Between May 12 and May 19, 164 new cases were recorded, with Kerala leading at 69, followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34).
Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said on Friday, "At the moment, the situation is under control. There are, at most, sporadic cases, which are also rare. Even the present cases are being managed very easily."
Official sources stated that most of the reported COVID-19 cases are mild and being managed under home care. However, the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and is proactively monitoring the situation through its various agencies.
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The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. While COVID-19 is now regarded as another type of viral infection, basic precautions, such as hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings, are still encouraged.