Within the wake of the XBB, BQ.1 and BA.2.3.20 subvariants of the coronavirus’s Omicron variant being reported in neighbouring Maharashtra, specialists within the Karnataka capital have mentioned that those that have fever, chilly or cough ought to get examined for Covid.
C N Manjunath, member of the state Medical Consultants’ Committee, mentioned, “These with fever, cough, chilly, sore throat and respiratory issue ought to get examined to rule out Covid and isolate themselves until the take a look at stories are out. The rising subvariants are lineages of Omicron and never new variants.”
Dr Siri Kamath, of the BGS Gleneagles International Hospital, mentioned, “The newer variants equivalent to XBB do unfold quickly, however solely time will inform in the event that they trigger elevated severity of illness or not. Stringent fundamental precautions equivalent to hand hygiene, social distancing, and carrying masks are the one interventions that may management the unfold of the illness if the circumstances escalate to excessive ranges. Sure, folks have once more began rationalising their signs as ‘viral an infection’ and have a tendency to keep away from getting examined for Covid. It’s mentioned that the XBB variant is able to immune escape. Subsequently, it will be prudent to get examined, particularly if signs are worrisome.”
The weekly Covid positivity fee (October 27-November 2) in Bengaluru was 6 per cent.
Trilok Chandra, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike particular commissioner (well being), mentioned, “Within the low-case situation, the positivity fee doesn’t make any distinction. Whereas testing has come down, the variety of folks being discovered optimistic is kind of the identical. As of now the testing inside the BBMP limits is occurring solely at main well being centres. The excessive positivity fee just isn’t due to the XBB variant. The infections are gentle. Even the sewage surveillance report has not indicated any concern.”
Final month the well being division issued an advisory stating that these with fever, cough, chilly, sore throat or respiratory issue ought to get examined and self-isolate until the outcomes got here.