Active COVID cases climb to 5,364 in India, death toll at 55

June 6: Active COVID-19 cases in India have crossed the 5,300 mark. The cases were 4,866 as of June 5 and have risen by nearly 500 cases, taking the total number of positives to 5,364.

While no new fresh deaths have been reported, high surges were reported in Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Delhi. States like Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat have crossed the 500 mark, with Kerala at the highest number of positives at 1,487 COVID-19 cases.

Four deaths were reported on June 6 across Karnataka, Kerala and Punjab. However, the highest deaths have been reported from Maharashtra. All deceased were above the age of 65 with underlying medical conditions. There were both males and females.

The state-wise case reported the highest number in Kerala, with a nearly 200-case spike, having 1,679 cases. Significantly lower was Delhi, but still high in number. The capital reports 592 active COVID-19 cases. Displaying a sudden surge was West Bengal, which reported a spike of 58 COVID-19 cases, taking the total number to 596. Gujarat comes as the second-highest affected state with over 600 cases, with no fresh deaths.

A 65-year-old male with hypertension had uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, reported an incidental COVID-19 positive. Two deaths from Kerala were a 74-year-old female and a 79-year-old male with coincidental reports of COVID-19. The total death toll has risen to 55.

COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been attributed to the fast-spreading strains NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. Known for their high transmissibility, scientists have found similar strains in China, detected in bats in Wuhan. The variant HKU5-CoV-2 is just “a small mutation away” from causing a widespread infection.

The maximum discharged patients has been reported from Kerala, followed by Delhi. However, rising cases remain a high source of concern for residents and unvaccinated adults with existing serious medical conditions. (Financial Express)