Hyderabad Registers First COVID Case, Patient Recovered

 Hyderabad: A Covid-19 case has been confirmed in Hyderabad, the first officially reported one in Telangana this year. The patient, a pulmonologist residing in Vivekanandanagar, Kukatpally, tested positive a few days ago and is now fully recovered. Officials from the Medchal-Malkajgiri health department stated that he had been isolated for five days, his contacts have shown no symptoms and the situation remains under control.

District medical and health officer Dr C. Uma Gowri confirmed the case and said there was no cause for alarm. “The doctor is doing well. He had mild symptoms that have now subsided and no one else around him has tested positive. Contact tracing is complete and everyone close to him is under observation.”

“If anyone notices symptoms like fever or cold, they should report to the health department immediately,” Dr Uma Gowri said. She added that the health staff was fully prepared to respond if any further cases arose. People were been advised to visit the nearest PHC, UPHC, basti dawakhana or palle dawakhana if symptoms appear.

Other health experts say this may not be the first case in the city. Infectious disease specialist Dr Suneetha Narreddy said, “We have seen a few Covid cases here and there over the past two months. They were mild and didn’t always get reported.” Taking note of the new subvariant JN.1, she added, “New variants keep forming due to natural processes. It’s not something unusual. Just take precautions and carry on. There is no need to panic.”

Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, who leads the Infection Control Academy of India, also said that sporadic cases are expected from time to time. “This virus is now endemic. Cases will keep appearing now and then. What’s changed is the attention, because of rising cases in South-East Asia. So, we are only calling it the first case because it has come to public notice.

“There are likely to have been others. About the JN.1, it is a subvariant of Omicron, not a new variant altogether and it doesn’t cause serious illness.” Dr Burri added that people should follow standard Covid precautions and remain alert, especially if they have existing health conditions.

India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases so far this month, with the highest numbers in Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Telangana had shown zero officially logged cases until now. Globally, the JN.1 variant continues to be the most common strain this year. It is a descendant of Omicron BA.2.86 and has over 30 mutations.

Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand have seen an increase in cases linked to this strain or its subvariants such as LF.7 and NB.1.8. Authorities there have proposed a vaccine update targeting JN.1-related strains, however, there is no indication that these are more dangerous. Symptoms remain similar to previous versions like fever, headache, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue and sometimes diarrhoea.

Doctors continue to recommend basic hygiene, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing a mask if one is sick or in contact with vulnerable people. Dr Narreddy said, “Maintain a healthy life, eat well, sleep well and wear a mask if you're not feeling well. The virus is around, but it’s mild for now.”