Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction Linked To Down Syndrome

Inside all your blood vessels is a layer of specialized cells called the endothelium. But inside your brain, this layer is different. While this layer allows the exchange of fluids, nutrients, and gases between the blood and surrounding tissues in the rest of the body, it is tightly packed in the inside of your brain's blood vessels and forms the blood-brain barrier.

They're so tightly packed that there's almost no space for anything to slip through without help. These cells have a lipid-based outer membrane. It is because of this tightly packed structure that it is able to defend the brain from harmful substances, germs and other dangerous things. Besides, this layer also protects the delicate chemical balance inside the brain.

Now, a new research study, led by Jonathan D Santoro, MD, Director of the Neuroimmunology Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, linked the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier and inflammation in the central nervous system with <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/down-syndrome">Down syndrome</a></span> Regression Disorder (DSRD). The study was published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology in February 2025. The researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from three groups-individuals with DSRD, those with neuroinflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis, and healthy controls. Using advanced proteomic, metabolomic, and immune marker profiling, they found that DSRD patients showed signs of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction—similar to patterns seen in other immune-related neurological disorders. The study, led by Dr. Santoro, found elevated immune proteins and metabolites indicating a disrupted immune system and poor barrier integrity in the brain. These findings support the idea that DSRD may be driven by immune-related processes. 

<h2>What Is Down Syndrome?</h2>When a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, the condition is referred to as Down syndrome. This condition affects how an individual's brain and body develop, impacting their usual growth timeline. Down syndrome occurs due to genetic defects, and not because of any mistake during pregnancy. People with the condition cannot be generalised into a single group showcasing the same types of symptoms, as they may vary from person to person. However, there are certain common cognitive, behavioural and physical patterns traced in people with Down syndrome.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/after-losing-sight-in-one-eye-woman-finds-out-she-has-terminal-cancer-article-151275172" data-type="tilCustomLink">After Losing Sight in One Eye, Woman Finds Out She Has Terminal Cancer</a></strong>

People with Down syndrome may showcase various degrees of symptoms, depending on the severity of their condition. From behavioural to cognitive differences being traced with the average person as context - there are certain recognisable tell-tale signs of Down syndrome.

Some behavioural symptoms of this condition may include impulsiveness, stubbornness, obsessive disorders and compulsive movements. They may often throw tantrums and fail to pay attention for long spans of time. 

Besides, there are physical symptoms too, which may also manifest in the child, and become more prominent as they grow up. For example, upward pointed slanting eyes, a flatter nose bridge region, shorter neck, smaller hands, ears and feet, palmar crease, small-pinky finger inclining towards the thumb, overall shorter stature and non-prominent muscle tone are some physical signs of the condition.

<strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/tiktok-influencer-lands-in-hospital-after-making-this-one-mistake-in-her-diet-article-151274301" data-type="tilCustomLink">TikTok Influencer Lands In Hospital After Making This One Mistake In Her Diet</a>

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Down Syndrome

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Inside all your blood vessels is a layer of specialized cells called the endothelium. But inside your brain, this layer is different. While this layer allows the exchange of fluids, nutrients, and gases between the blood and surrounding tissues in the rest of the body, it is tightly packed in the inside of your brain's blood vessels and forms the blood-brain barrier.They're so tightly packed that there's almost no space for anything to slip through without help. These cells have a lipid-based outer membrane. It is because of this tightly packed structure that it is able to defend the brain from harmful substances, germs and other dangerous things. Besides, this layer also protects the delicate chemical balance inside the brain.Now, a new research study, led by Jonathan D Santoro, MD, Director of the Neuroimmunology Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, linked the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier and inflammation in the central nervous system with Down syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). The study was published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology in February 2025. The researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from three groups-individuals with DSRD, those with neuroinflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis, and healthy controls. Using advanced proteomic, metabolomic, and immune marker profiling, they found that DSRD patients showed signs of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction—similar to patterns seen in other immune-related neurological disorders. The study, led by Dr. Santoro, found elevated immune proteins and metabolites indicating a disrupted immune system and poor barrier integrity in the brain. These findings support the idea that DSRD may be driven by immune-related processes. What Is Down Syndrome?When a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, the condition is referred to as Down syndrome. This condition affects how an individual's brain and body develop, impacting their usual growth timeline. Down syndrome occurs due to genetic defects, and not because of any mistake during pregnancy. People with the condition cannot be generalised into a single group showcasing the same types of symptoms, as they may vary from person to person. However, there are certain common cognitive, behavioural and physical patterns traced in people with Down syndrome.ALSO READ: After Losing Sight in One Eye, Woman Finds Out She Has Terminal CancerHow To Identify Down Syndrome?People with Down syndrome may showcase various degrees of symptoms, depending on the severity of their condition. From behavioural to cognitive differences being traced with the average person as context - there are certain recognisable tell-tale signs of Down syndrome.Some behavioural symptoms of this condition may include impulsiveness, stubbornness, obsessive disorders and compulsive movements. They may often throw tantrums and fail to pay attention for long spans of time. Besides, there are physical symptoms too, which may also manifest in the child, and become more prominent as they grow up. For example, upward pointed slanting eyes, a flatter nose bridge region, shorter neck, smaller hands, ears and feet, palmar crease, small-pinky finger inclining towards the thumb, overall shorter stature and non-prominent muscle tone are some physical signs of the condition.ALSO READ: TikTok Influencer Lands In Hospital After Making This One Mistake In Her Diet

blood-brain barrier dysfunction linked to down syndrome

Tanya Dutt

New COVID Variant XFG Surfaces in India with 163 Confirmed Cases

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First COVID, Now Hepatitis, Kerala Is Facing Health Crisis As Thrissur Becomes The New Epicenter

first covid, now hepatitis, kerala is facing health crisis as thrissur becomes the new epicenter

India's Covid-19 trajectory has taken a sharp upward turn since the end of May, sparking fears of a potential new wave of infections. The active Covid-19 cases rose to 6,815 as of June 11—considerably higher than only 257 cases on May 22—according to the Union Ministry of Health dashboard.

Over the last 24 hours alone, the nation logged 324 fresh cases, accompanied by 783 recoveries and three new virus-linked deaths. This increase, while not yet a major outbreak by any means, indicates a change that will be monitored—specifically because states such as Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka are registering a steady rise.

Public health agencies have cautioned that although the severity of infections as a whole is still under control because of high inoculation levels and hybrid immunity, susceptible groups, particularly the elderly and those who suffer from co-morbidities, are still under substantial risk of developing complications or dying.

Three further Covid-related deaths were reported on June 10, taking India's death toll in 2025 to 68. These comprised:

A 90-year-old female in Delhi with co-morbidities such as Congestive Heart Failure (CCF), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and respiratory acidosis.

A 79-year-old male in Kerala, who was controlling Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.

A 44-year-old male in Jharkhand, who had severe multiple conditions such as aspirational pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.

These examples highlight a stern reality: even with advances in medical interventions, Covid-19 is risky—particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or existing health issues.

Kerala has the highest active caseload currently, with 2,053 active infections and 96 fresh cases in the past 24 hours. Even with its strong healthcare setup and high awareness rate, the state continues to fight against the virus due to its ageing population and lifestyle disease prevalence.

Gujarat is next, with 1,109 active cases, with Surat alone having 166. Karnataka, which logged 136 new cases in 24 hours, is another hotbed, reporting two deaths in the past 24 hours.

Incidentally, Delhi, having reported one death, registered a drop in active cases—691 now. Experts attribute this to timely public health interventions and increasing immunity in cities.

<h2>Why Are Hospital Admissions Being Led by High-Risk Patients?</h2>

Although the majority of new infections have been asymptomatic or mild, hospitalizations are disproportionately accounted for by high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Recent fatalities in Delhi and Jharkhand included patients who were either old or had concurrent chronic diseases. According to medical professionals, these patients have lesser ability to develop an adequate immune response, and therefore they are prone to develop complications such as sepsis, respiratory failure, or multi-organ dysfunction if they contract Covid-19.

To an international audience, India's current Covid-19 data are not mere figures—what they show is a dynamic, living picture of how the pandemic is being addressed in one of the world's most populated countries.

The rebound is a warning for other nations that have reduced Covid-19 monitoring. The combination of declining immunity, viral evolution, and underreporting may easily spur new waves in other parts of the world, particularly as travel expands and public complacency deepens.

India's widespread Covid-19 surveillance system presents early notice of the potential for new variants and geographic trends. A spike here may, in the past, herald a ripple effect worldwide—as was the case with previous waves.

<h2>Why Are Individuals with Co-Morbidities Experiencing the Worst Outcomes?</h2>

The link between co-morbidities and worse Covid-19 outcomes has been clear from the beginning of the pandemic. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, obesity, and weakened immune systems severely limit the body's capacity to resist infection. Here's why:

Impaired Immune Function: Chronic diseases weaken the immune system's capability to detect and fight new infections efficiently.

Elevated Inflammatory Biomarkers: Underlying diseases tend to raise baseline levels of inflammation within the body, which in the event of a Covid-19 infection can spiral out of control into cytokine storms and serious systemic complications.

Delayed Hospitalization or Diagnosis: Most at-risk patients avoid care because of overlapping symptoms or ignorance, resulting in late disease at presentation.

Drug Interactions and Treatment Limits: Many patients with chronic diseases are already on medication regimens that can complicate Covid treatment, limiting options for antiviral therapies or supportive interventions.

The elderly and those with multiple diseases often experience rapid progression from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress or organ failure. Vigilant monitoring and early intervention are critical in such cases.

While India is witnessing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases—jumping from just 257 active cases on May 22 to nearly 7,000 by June 11—experts are cautious about declaring it a full-blown new wave. The current surge appears localized, with states like Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka leading the spike. Most cases remain mild, and hospitalizations are limited to high-risk individuals with co-morbidities. Health officials are tracking for emerging variants closely but have not yet spotted any concerning mutations. Although it is not a new wave, the trend points to calls for increased vigilance, in particular for the elderly and the immunocompromised.

Indian health officials are calling for continued wearing of masks in risk areas, booster doses of vaccination, and early reporting of symptoms—particularly among vulnerable groups.

A few state health departments are stepping up genome sequencing and contact tracing in order to eliminate the possibility of any new sub-variants that could be fuelling this upsurge. There is no official confirmation on a new variant yet, but researchers are keeping a lookout. 

The Union Health Ministry is also urging enhanced hospital readiness, reconsidering oxygen and ventilator inventories, and releasing advisories to local governments to stay vigilant.

india covid-19 cases

covid deaths june 2025

kerala covid update

covid comorbidities risk

karnataka covid cases

delhi covid death

active covid tally india

India's Covid-19 trajectory has taken a sharp upward turn since the end of May, sparking fears of a potential new wave of infections. The active Covid-19 cases rose to 6,815 as of June 11—considerably higher than only 257 cases on May 22—according to the Union Ministry of Health dashboard.Over the last 24 hours alone, the nation logged 324 fresh cases, accompanied by 783 recoveries and three new virus-linked deaths. This increase, while not yet a major outbreak by any means, indicates a change that will be monitored—specifically because states such as Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka are registering a steady rise.Public health agencies have cautioned that although the severity of infections as a whole is still under control because of high inoculation levels and hybrid immunity, susceptible groups, particularly the elderly and those who suffer from co-morbidities, are still under substantial risk of developing complications or dying.Three further Covid-related deaths were reported on June 10, taking India's death toll in 2025 to 68. These comprised:A 90-year-old female in Delhi with co-morbidities such as Congestive Heart Failure (CCF), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and respiratory acidosis.A 79-year-old male in Kerala, who was controlling Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.A 44-year-old male in Jharkhand, who had severe multiple conditions such as aspirational pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.These examples highlight a stern reality: even with advances in medical interventions, Covid-19 is risky—particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or existing health issues.Kerala has the highest active caseload currently, with 2,053 active infections and 96 fresh cases in the past 24 hours. Even with its strong healthcare setup and high awareness rate, the state continues to fight against the virus due to its ageing population and lifestyle disease prevalence.Gujarat is next, with 1,109 active cases, with Surat alone having 166. Karnataka, which logged 136 new cases in 24 hours, is another hotbed, reporting two deaths in the past 24 hours.Incidentally, Delhi, having reported one death, registered a drop in active cases—691 now. Experts attribute this to timely public health interventions and increasing immunity in cities.Why Are Hospital Admissions Being Led by High-Risk Patients?Although the majority of new infections have been asymptomatic or mild, hospitalizations are disproportionately accounted for by high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.Recent fatalities in Delhi and Jharkhand included patients who were either old or had concurrent chronic diseases. According to medical professionals, these patients have lesser ability to develop an adequate immune response, and therefore they are prone to develop complications such as sepsis, respiratory failure, or multi-organ dysfunction if they contract Covid-19.To an international audience, India's current Covid-19 data are not mere figures—what they show is a dynamic, living picture of how the pandemic is being addressed in one of the world's most populated countries.The rebound is a warning for other nations that have reduced Covid-19 monitoring. The combination of declining immunity, viral evolution, and underreporting may easily spur new waves in other parts of the world, particularly as travel expands and public complacency deepens.India's widespread Covid-19 surveillance system presents early notice of the potential for new variants and geographic trends. A spike here may, in the past, herald a ripple effect worldwide—as was the case with previous waves.Why Are Individuals with Co-Morbidities Experiencing the Worst Outcomes?The link between co-morbidities and worse Covid-19 outcomes has been clear from the beginning of the pandemic. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, obesity, and weakened immune systems severely limit the body's capacity to resist infection. Here's why:Impaired Immune Function: Chronic diseases weaken the immune system's capability to detect and fight new infections efficiently.Elevated Inflammatory Biomarkers: Underlying diseases tend to raise baseline levels of inflammation within the body, which in the event of a Covid-19 infection can spiral out of control into cytokine storms and serious systemic complications.Delayed Hospitalization or Diagnosis: Most at-risk patients avoid care because of overlapping symptoms or ignorance, resulting in late disease at presentation.Drug Interactions and Treatment Limits: Many patients with chronic diseases are already on medication regimens that can complicate Covid treatment, limiting options for antiviral therapies or supportive interventions.The elderly and those with multiple diseases often experience rapid progression from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress or organ failure. Vigilant monitoring and early intervention are critical in such cases.Is a New COVID-19 Wave Here?While India is witnessing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases—jumping from just 257 active cases on May 22 to nearly 7,000 by June 11—experts are cautious about declaring it a full-blown new wave. The current surge appears localized, with states like Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka leading the spike. Most cases remain mild, and hospitalizations are limited to high-risk individuals with co-morbidities. Health officials are tracking for emerging variants closely but have not yet spotted any concerning mutations. Although it is not a new wave, the trend points to calls for increased vigilance, in particular for the elderly and the immunocompromised.Indian health officials are calling for continued wearing of masks in risk areas, booster doses of vaccination, and early reporting of symptoms—particularly among vulnerable groups.A few state health departments are stepping up genome sequencing and contact tracing in order to eliminate the possibility of any new sub-variants that could be fuelling this upsurge. There is no official confirmation on a new variant yet, but researchers are keeping a lookout. The Union Health Ministry is also urging enhanced hospital readiness, reconsidering oxygen and ventilator inventories, and releasing advisories to local governments to stay vigilant.

india's covid tally soars to nearly 7000 active cases with 3 deaths in 24 hours; is a new wave here?

Ishita Roy

MPOX Is Still A Public Health Emergency, Says WHO

MPOX Still A Public Health Emergency, Says WHO

Measles Outbreak Update: Pennsylvania And Michigan Report An End, While Cases Slow Down In Many States

measles outbreak update: pennsylvania and michigan report an end, while cases slow down in many states

The <span>mpox outbreak</span> continues to be a public health emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday. The agency’s director-general also issued an updated set of temporary recommendations.

WHO had first declared the emergency in August last year, after a new strain of <span>mpox</span> spread from the severely affected Democratic Republic of Congo to nearby countries.

A public health emergency of international concern remains WHO’s highest level of alert.

Mpox or monkey-pox is a viral disease in Africa. This was discovered by captive monkeys in 1958, after whom the disease was named in 1970. However, the name was later changed as it attracted many racist comments, especially on social media, where people wrote “the disease of monkeys” and associated it with the African people.

However, under the WHO guidelines, the naming of diseases must not drive any unnecessary negative impact on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare, and avoid offending any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups. Thus, the name monkey-pox became the ‘m-pox’.

The outbreak led to WHO to declare an international public health emergency (PHEIC), from July 2022 to May 2023 in Congo. Now a new strain of the m-pox is infecting people in Kenya and poses a threat to many other African countries, including Congo.

There are signs and symptoms of M-pox. They start to show within seven to 14 days of being infected. Therefore, for about a week a person may not know they have m-pox, and they can spread it by travelling.

The earliest signs are getting a fever, sweating and having chills through your body.

Other signs involve rashes, which start from a distant rash on the face and spread throughout the body. These rashes can be in different forms, sometimes a flat lesion, bumps, boils or scabs.

Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, migraine, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and back pain.

This is a contagious infection and can spread by skin-to-skin contact. There are certain ways to prevent the spread. The first one is restricting your movement. Avoid going out in public, meeting people and interacting with animals.

Wear clothes that will prevent skin-to-skin infections. Cover yourself well so you do not spread the infection from your skin to other people.

Though there is no vaccination for the disease, doctors have noted that smallpox vaccination works on it to some extent.

Other ways are to keep hydrating yourself to get rid of the toxins from your body.

Doctors also prescribe medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat the pain and fever one may experience after being infected. Antiviral treatment like tecovirimat has been said to work on the infection too.

mpox still public health emergency

health news

mpox

mpox outbreak

mpox emergency

The mpox outbreak continues to be a public health emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday. The agency’s director-general also issued an updated set of temporary recommendations.WHO had first declared the emergency in August last year, after a new strain of mpox spread from the severely affected Democratic Republic of Congo to nearby countries.A public health emergency of international concern remains WHO’s highest level of alert.What Is Mpox?Mpox or monkey-pox is a viral disease in Africa. This was discovered by captive monkeys in 1958, after whom the disease was named in 1970. However, the name was later changed as it attracted many racist comments, especially on social media, where people wrote “the disease of monkeys” and associated it with the African people.However, under the WHO guidelines, the naming of diseases must not drive any unnecessary negative impact on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare, and avoid offending any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups. Thus, the name monkey-pox became the ‘m-pox’.The outbreak led to WHO to declare an international public health emergency (PHEIC), from July 2022 to May 2023 in Congo. Now a new strain of the m-pox is infecting people in Kenya and poses a threat to many other African countries, including Congo.How to detect it?There are signs and symptoms of M-pox. They start to show within seven to 14 days of being infected. Therefore, for about a week a person may not know they have m-pox, and they can spread it by travelling.The earliest signs are getting a fever, sweating and having chills through your body.Other signs involve rashes, which start from a distant rash on the face and spread throughout the body. These rashes can be in different forms, sometimes a flat lesion, bumps, boils or scabs.Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, migraine, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and back pain.How to prevent it?This is a contagious infection and can spread by skin-to-skin contact. There are certain ways to prevent the spread. The first one is restricting your movement. Avoid going out in public, meeting people and interacting with animals.Wear clothes that will prevent skin-to-skin infections. Cover yourself well so you do not spread the infection from your skin to other people.Though there is no vaccination for the disease, doctors have noted that smallpox vaccination works on it to some extent.Other ways are to keep hydrating yourself to get rid of the toxins from your body.Doctors also prescribe medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat the pain and fever one may experience after being infected. Antiviral treatment like tecovirimat has been said to work on the infection too.

mpox is still a public health emergency, says who

As per the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India has crossed the 6,000 mark for total <span>COVID-19 cases</span>. 796 new cases were also reported in more than last 48 hours. As per the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), among these cases, 163 are from the newly emerging COVID-19 variant XFG. 

As per a June 2025 Lancet Report, the recombinant XFG variant originates from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and harbours four key spike mutations including His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile and has achieved rapid global spread following its initial detection in Canada.

The Lancet study also reveals that it is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant of the Coronavirus. 

The XFG variant also displays “strong immune evasion,” which allows the virus to survive and spread as it manages to evade the body’s natural defences.

As of now, the new variant has been detected in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. 

<h4>Who Could Be The Worst Affected?</h4>

Several groups in India face a higher risk during spikes in respiratory infections. These include older adults, people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, as well as those with weakened immune systems like cancer patients and transplant recipients. Pregnant women, due to physiological changes, and children under five—particularly those who are unvaccinated—are also more vulnerable.

Health experts recommend that individuals in these categories take extra precautions: wear masks in public places, avoid crowded settings, stay indoors when possible, and maintain regular hand hygiene.

Hospitals have been instructed to follow the updated ABC Guidelines 03, released in June 2023, for managing patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza. Anyone with signs of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested. If a Rapid Antigen Test is negative, an RT-PCR test is mandatory. The health department has also directed that district RT-PCR testing facilities be used to their full capacity.

Though the preventive measures are not new, their importance has been renewed. Respiratory viruses often follow seasonal patterns, bringing repeated waves of infection. People with symptoms—or those at high risk—are strongly advised to avoid crowded, closed, and poorly ventilated spaces such as public transport, offices, malls, and theatres, particularly if not wearing a mask. While rapid testing is easily accessible in cities, limited access in rural areas highlights the need for wider distribution.

On May 28, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global rise in SARS-CoV-2 activity, based on data from its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Since mid-February, test positivity rates have been climbing steadily, reaching 11 per cent—levels last seen in July 2024.

The surge is most noticeable in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions, driven by emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Among these, NB.1.8.1 has drawn special attention and has been classified by WHO as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). By late April, 518 sequences of NB.1.8.1 had been reported from 22 countries, making up 10.7 per cent of global submissions.

While NB.1.8.1 appears to spread more easily, current evidence shows no increase in disease severity. Reported symptoms remain familiar—sore throat, fever with chills, nasal congestion, fatigue, and headache.

covid 19 cases

india health news

india covid

new covid variant

XFG covid variant India

India detects new covid variant

Covid-19 cases

As per the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, India has crossed the 6,000 mark for total COVID-19 cases. 796 new cases were also reported in more than last 48 hours. As per the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), among these cases, 163 are from the newly emerging COVID-19 variant XFG. What Is The XFG Variant?As per a June 2025 Lancet Report, the recombinant XFG variant originates from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and harbours four key spike mutations including His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile and has achieved rapid global spread following its initial detection in Canada.The Lancet study also reveals that it is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant of the Coronavirus. The XFG variant also displays “strong immune evasion,” which allows the virus to survive and spread as it manages to evade the body’s natural defences.As of now, the new variant has been detected in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Who Could Be The Worst Affected?Several groups in India face a higher risk during spikes in respiratory infections. These include older adults, people with underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, as well as those with weakened immune systems like cancer patients and transplant recipients. Pregnant women, due to physiological changes, and children under five—particularly those who are unvaccinated—are also more vulnerable.Health experts recommend that individuals in these categories take extra precautions: wear masks in public places, avoid crowded settings, stay indoors when possible, and maintain regular hand hygiene.What Is The Plan Of Action?Hospitals have been instructed to follow the updated ABC Guidelines 03, released in June 2023, for managing patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza. Anyone with signs of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested. If a Rapid Antigen Test is negative, an RT-PCR test is mandatory. The health department has also directed that district RT-PCR testing facilities be used to their full capacity.Though the preventive measures are not new, their importance has been renewed. Respiratory viruses often follow seasonal patterns, bringing repeated waves of infection. People with symptoms—or those at high risk—are strongly advised to avoid crowded, closed, and poorly ventilated spaces such as public transport, offices, malls, and theatres, particularly if not wearing a mask. While rapid testing is easily accessible in cities, limited access in rural areas highlights the need for wider distribution.What Is Happening Globally?On May 28, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global rise in SARS-CoV-2 activity, based on data from its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Since mid-February, test positivity rates have been climbing steadily, reaching 11 per cent—levels last seen in July 2024.The surge is most noticeable in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions, driven by emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Among these, NB.1.8.1 has drawn special attention and has been classified by WHO as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). By late April, 518 sequences of NB.1.8.1 had been reported from 22 countries, making up 10.7 per cent of global submissions.While NB.1.8.1 appears to spread more easily, current evidence shows no increase in disease severity. Reported symptoms remain familiar—sore throat, fever with chills, nasal congestion, fatigue, and headache.

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Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction Linked To Down Syndrome

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