Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and more Indian cities see rise in Covid cases: Here's what health experts want you to know
Health officials are closely monitoring a slight increase in Covid-19 cases across India. Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad are experiencing a rise in infections. While overall cases remain low, some hospitals are taking precautions. Testing has increased for those with flu-like symptoms. Experts advise vulnerable individuals to take preventive measures. The situation is under control, but vigilance is necessary.
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Mumbai Sees Cluster of Cases
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Pune on Alert, But No Active Cases
Tamil Nadu Reports Rise, Surgeries Delayed
New Cases in Karnataka and Gujarat
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Covid-19 Still Around, Say Experts
Health officials are keeping a close watch as Covid-19 cases slowly rise in parts of India, at a time when countries like Hong Kong and Singapore are also seeing more infections.Although the total number of cases is still low compared to earlier waves, cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad have seen a noticeable increase.Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases in May, according to the Maharashtra health department. This is a sharp jump, as the state has recorded just 106 cases since January.Currently, 16 people are in hospital, with many being moved from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to stop the spread of infection.Health workers are now testing all patients showing flu-like symptoms or severe breathing problems for Covid-19.In Pune, the local authorities have kept 50 beds ready at Naidu Hospital, just in case. Right now, there are no active Covid-19 patients in the city's public hospitals.'We had just one patient in May, an 87-year-old from Manjari, who has fully recovered,' said Dr Nina Borade, head of health at Pune Municipal Corporation. She said testing is not happening in civic hospitals at the moment, as they are waiting for new guidelines from the Centre.In Tamil Nadu, 12 new cases were found in Puducherry. In Chennai, doctors say more people with fevers are now testing positive for Covid-19 rather than the flu.Some hospitals have even delayed major surgeries, like organ transplants and heart operations, to avoid infection risk.'We are seeing more Covid-19 now,' said Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, a specialist at Gleneagles Healthcity. 'Two weeks ago, most of our samples were flu. Now, it's mostly Covid.'Dr T S Selvavinayagam, the state's public health director, said there is no reason to panic but asked people to stay careful in crowded places. 'Covid-19 never went away. It's still around, with ups and downs,' he said.Karnataka has 16 active cases, according to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.In Gujarat, seven cases were found in Ahmedabad in just one day, surprising for a city that has seen only one case per month for a year.All seven patients are recovering at home, and their samples have been sent for further testing.The World Health Organization (WHO) said in May 2023 that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, but the virus still spreads around the world.In India, most new cases are mild, with no deaths or ICU cases so far in this recent rise.Doctors are advising older people, pregnant women, and those with health issues to be extra careful, wear masks in closed spaces and wash hands often. They also suggest getting a flu shot to avoid co-infections.Inputs from TOI
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News18
2 hours ago
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From Junk Food To Heart Risk, Why Children Are Falling Sick So Early
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The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2019 shows that 10–15% of children in the country aged 5 to 19 years are either overweight or obese—with the number soaring to 29% in urban private schools. This isn't just about weight; deeper issues are emerging beneath the surface. Early signs of type 2 diabetes are now being detected in adolescents, with studies suggesting that 1–2% of urban teens show impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to full-blown diabetes. According to the WHO, Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated. Cardiovascular risk markers are also on the rise: nearly 5% of children in the same age group have been found to have hypertension, while around 10% exhibit abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. What's Making Our Children Unhealthy? Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, increases insulin resistance and elevates blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Spending more time on screens and less on physical activity makes the problem worse. The ICMR's 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) revealed that only 44% of Indian children aged 10-19 engage in adequate physical activity (at least 60 minutes daily). Urban children, in particular, spend more time on smartphones, gaming consoles, or studying, leaving little room for outdoor play or exercise. Unhealthy Diet Indian diets have shifted dramatically over the past few decades. Traditional whole-grain and vegetable-based diets are being replaced by processed foods high in sugar, salt, and trans fats. 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Children with a family history of diabetes or heart disease are at higher risk, especially if lifestyle factors amplify this predisposition. The ICMR's 2020 report highlighted that children with a family history of lifestyle diseases should be screened early, as genetic risks can show up as early as their teenage years. How Urban Life Is Quietly Making Indian Children Sicker? India's booming cities may be symbols of progress, but for children growing up in them, they're increasingly becoming hotspots of poor health. Urbanisation, air pollution, and widening economic gaps are now key contributors to the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indian children. A 2021 study published in 'The Lancet Planetary Health' made a troubling connection: exposure to air pollution in Indian cities is directly linked to increased cardiovascular risk in children. How? Pollutants like PM2.5 trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, both early warning signs for heart disease. 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And it's not just what they eat, it is also what they don't do. According to The Lancet Planetary Health study, 70% of urban Indian children don't have access to safe playgrounds or parks, leading to sedentary lifestyles. With fewer green spaces and more screen time, active play has taken a backseat. Children from higher-income urban families are at risk of overnutrition. The 2019 CNNS report by ICMR found that 29% of students in urban private schools (mostly from affluent backgrounds) were overweight or obese, compared to just 10% in government schools. On the flip side, children from low-income and rural households often face undernutrition in early years, which sets them up for future problems. A 2021 study in 'The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health' found that undernourished children who experience rapid weight gain during adolescence (common in India's transitioning economy) are 20–30% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life due to impaired insulin sensitivity. 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Schools are critical in combating childhood NCDs. The CBSE and ICSE boards have introduced health and wellness programs, but implementation varies. A 2022 PHFI report urged schools to ban sugary drinks and junk food in canteens and promote physical education. Community initiatives, such as local sports clubs or awareness campaigns, can also encourage healthier lifestyles. Government And Policy Efforts top videos View all The Indian government has taken steps to address NCDs in children. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), launched by the Ministry of Health, includes screening and awareness for adolescents. The 2020 Fit India Movement also promotes physical activity among schoolchildren. However, experts argue that more targeted policies, such as taxes on sugary drinks or stricter regulations on junk food advertising, are needed to curb the epidemic. tags : children health diabetes heart diseases Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 17:13 IST News zip From Junk Food To Heart Risk, Why Children Are Falling Sick So Early
Mint
3 hours ago
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Growing obesity concerns prompt roll-out for measuring obesity among schoolchildren
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NDTV
5 hours ago
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