 "India's active Covid-19 caseload drops to 6,483; 4 deaths reported")
India's active Covid-19 caseload dropped marginally to 6,483 on Wednesday, from 6,836 the previous day, according to the latest data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Four deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours.
Of the four deaths, two were reported in Maharashtra, while Kerala and Delhi reported one each. All four individuals were elderly and had existing respiratory ailments and other chronic conditions.
The country is currently witnessing a rise in infections driven by emerging subvariants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the newly detected NB.1.8.1.
State-wise update: Delhi records most number of fresh Covid cases
Delhi recorded the highest number of fresh Covid-19 cases, with 65 new infections taking its total to 620. However, Kerala continues to report the highest number of active Covid-19 cases at 1,384, followed by Gujarat with 1,105. Karnataka and Maharashtra reported 653 and 489 active cases, respectively.
Kerala registered the sharpest single-day fall, with 275 fewer cases, followed by Gujarat with 143 and Karnataka with 43.
Recent surge seen as seasonal uptick
After weeks of rising Covid-19 cases that sparked fears of another major wave, the recent dip in numbers suggests it may have been more of a seasonal uptick than a sustained surge.
Medical experts say the current increase is best described as a 'mini-wave' or a short-term seasonal rise, not a full-blown resurgence of the virus. Experts believe such periodic surges will become more common as the virus increasingly behaves like a seasonal flu.
Symptoms mild, hospital load minimal
Doctors say that hospitals in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi are seeing very few severe Covid-19 cases. Most patients have mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue, closely resembling those of seasonal flu and are recovering at home with basic supportive care.
Unlike the Delta or early Omicron surges, this phase has not put pressure on hospital systems. Hospital admissions are limited, and ICU occupancy remains negligible, a sign, experts say, of growing population-level immunity.
While the general population is largely safe, medical experts warn that the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions remain at higher risk. They urge continued adherence to basic precautions such as maintaining hand hygiene and masking in crowded areas to minimise complications.