News Analysis India

Tag: covid-19

  • DNA Exclusive: Analysing Global Impact Of Singapore’s Covid-19 Wave | India News

    New Delhi: The coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Singapore again, causing hospital beds to fill up quickly. Authorities have reintroduced mask mandates, reminiscent of the panic seen during the initial outbreaks in 2020 and subsequent waves in 2021-22. In Today’s DNA, Zee News anchor Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed the alarming situation of coronavirus infection in Singapore and its significance globally.

    The resurgence of COVID-19 in Singapore is alarming, with health officials predicting a peak in the next two to four weeks. Two strains of the FLiRT variant, KP.1 and KP.2, have spread rapidly. The Ministry of Health reported 25,900 new cases between May 5 and May 11, a significant increase from the 13,700 cases reported the previous week. Hospital admissions have risen from 181 to 250 daily, and ICU admissions have increased from two to three patients per day.

    DNA: Corona returns to Singapore, will there be a new wave of corona in the world? #DNA #DNAWithSourabh #COVID19 #Singapore #Coronavirus @saurabhraajjain pic.twitter.com/MmDR8WNjIl — Zee News (@ZeeNews) May 21, 2024

    In response, Singapore’s Health Ministry is ramping up preparations for the new wave. Hospitals have been instructed to increase the number of available beds and reduce elective surgeries. People are being advised to stay home and seek treatment there when possible. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has urged individuals, especially those with serious illnesses or those aged 60 and above, to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

    The rise in cases of the KP.1 and KP.2 variants is not limited to Singapore; the United States has also seen increases, with the KP.2 variant accounting for 28 percent and the KP.1 variant for 7.1 percent of cases. Approximately 200 cases of these variants have been reported in India. While no new restrictions have been imposed in Singapore, the rapid resurgence of the virus is a cause for concern globally.

  • ‘100 Times Worse Than Covid’: Scientists Warn Of Lethal Bird Flu Pandemic | world news

    NEW YORK: In a concerning development reported by the New York Post, experts have issued warnings about a potential bird flu pandemic, which they claim could be “100 times worse than COVID.” The discovery of a rare human case in Texas has raised alarms among scientists and health officials. The H5N1 avian flu, which emerged as a new strain in 2020, has spread rapidly, affecting wild birds across all states, as well as commercial poultry and backyard flocks. Recent cases in mammals, including infected cattle herds across four states, have escalated concerns.

    At a panel discussing the issue, Suresh Kuchipudi, a prominent bird flu researcher, emphasized the long-standing threat posed by the H5N1 virus. He highlighted its ability to infect various mammalian hosts, including humans, making it a global pandemic threat. John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant, echoed these concerns, suggesting that the potential impact of the virus could surpass that of COVID if it mutates while maintaining a high fatality rate. “This appears to be 100 times worse than COVID — or it could be if it mutates and maintains its high case fatality rate,” John Fulton, a pharmaceutical industry consultant for vaccines and the founder of Canada-based BioNiagara who organized the meeting, was cited as saying.

    With a fatality rate of around 52% among humans infected since 2003, according to the World Health Organization, H5N1 presents a significant health risk. Symptoms are similar to other flu strains but can lead to severe pneumonia, with some cases resulting in death.

    Recent Case In Texas

    A dairy worker in Texas who contracted the virus reported symptoms consistent with conjunctivitis. While the CDC assured the public of low risk, the situation is being closely monitored due to the unprecedented detection of the virus in cattle.

    Potential For Mutation And Rapid Spread

    The detection of the virus in cattle raises concerns about mutation and potential human transmission. Experts warn that if H5N1 mutates to spread efficiently among humans, it could lead to large-scale transmission due to the lack of immune defenses.

    Preventive Measures And Vaccine Development

    Efforts are underway to develop vaccines and preventive measures against the virus. The US is already testing vaccine components, and candidate vaccine viruses show promise in protecting against H5N1. Both the CDC and the White House have emphasized the seriousness of the situation, with ongoing monitoring and efforts to keep the public informed and safe. As the world grapples with the evolving threat of the H5N1 avian flu, vigilance and coordinated global efforts remain crucial to prevent a potential pandemic.

  • Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Tests Positive For Covid, Swine Flu

    Gehlot has asked people to prioritise their well-being during the transitional weather.

  • Big Blow for RCB As Rs 17.5 Crore Signing Tested Positive For Covid-19 Ahead Of IPL 2024 | cricket news

    In a significant development, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, along with Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the pink-ball Test against West Indies at the Gabba in Brisbane. The news comes as a setback for the Australian cricket team, as both Green and McDonald will be separated from the squad until they return a negative test.

    Cricket Australia stated, “Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols.”

    Cameron Green has tested positive for COVID19. pic.twitter.com/Phf8Rn7Xj4

    — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 24, 2024

    Despite the positive tests, both Green and McDonald could still be involved in the Test against West Indies if they return negative results in the next 24 hours, following Cricket Australia’s protocols. The situation is being closely monitored as the Australian team prepares for the crucial pink-ball Test scheduled for January 25.

    Meanwhile, in the IPL context, this development poses a potential challenge for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who traded in Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 17.5 crore ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.

    RCB Director of Cricket, Mo Babat, had previously hailed the move, stating, “We have got a strong core of retaining players, and we have got a very powerful top order. Part of the decision-making that we had around our player release. The decisions were to try and strengthen the middle order, and bringing Cameron Green was a fantastic move.”

    However, with Green testing positive for COVID-19 and the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the upcoming matches, RCB might face a considerable setback. If Green fails to recover in time for the IPL 2024, it could impact RCB’s middle-order dynamics, a key area the franchise aimed to strengthen with the acquisition of the talented Australian all-rounder.

    It’s worth noting that Cameron Green’s health has been a concern beyond the recent COVID-19 diagnosis. He had previously revealed that he is battling irreversible chronic kidney disease. Despite being in stage two, Green has managed the condition well throughout his career. However, the unpredictable nature of his health poses an additional challenge for both the Australian team and his IPL franchise.

    As the situation unfolds, both the Australian cricket team and RCB will be closely monitoring Cameron Green’s health, hoping for a speedy recovery and his availability for the upcoming matches. The IPL 2024 auction has already taken place, but the impact of Green’s potential absence will only become clearer as the tournament approaches.