A nine-month-old baby boy from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural district has tested positive for Covid-19, according to Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department. The infant was initially taken to a private hospital but later transferred to Vani Vilas Hospital in Kalasipalya, Bengaluru, for specialized care.The child tested positive through a Rapid Antigen Test conducted on May 22. Officials confirmed that the baby is in stable condition and under close medical observation. Doctors at the hospital say he is responding well to treatment.Covid-19 Situation in KarnatakaThe case comes at a time when Karnataka is witnessing a slight but noticeable increase in Covid-19 cases. As of now, the state has 35 active infections, with 32 of them reported in Bengaluru alone. So far, no fatalities have been linked to the recent surge.Health authorities noted a gradual uptick in cases over the last 20 days, prompting reminders to the public to follow Covid safety protocols. People have been advised to wear masks in crowded places, maintain hygiene, and avoid unnecessary gatherings—particularly in cities like Bengaluru, where the majority of cases are being reported.Rise in Cases in KeralaNeighbouring Kerala has experienced a sharper rise in infections this month, with 182 confirmed cases so far. The state’s Health Minister has urged residents to remain alert and take precautionary measures. Among the districts, Kottayam has recorded the highest number of infections (57), followed by Ernakulam (34) and Thiruvananthapuram (30).In response, Kerala’s health authorities have stepped up public messaging to promote early testing and isolation to limit the spread of the virus.ALSO READ: 23 New Covid Cases In Delhi, Health Minister Issues AdvisoryAndhra Pradesh Issues Public AdvisoryIn Andhra Pradesh, the Health Department released a public advisory on May 22 following indications of a rise in Covid-19 cases. Although specific figures have not been released, officials have recommended that people stay cautious, get tested if they show symptoms, and continue following preventive practices such as masking and hand hygiene.Advisory For Delhi HospitalsIn an internal order, Delhi’s health department directed all hospitals to ensure critical equipment like ventilators, BiPAP machines, and oxygen concentrators are functional. Staff are being asked to undergo refresher training, and all hospitals must report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases daily on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).Additionally, 5% of ILI cases and 100% of SARI cases must undergo COVID-19 testing, in accordance with ICMR guidelines. Positive samples are to be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to detect any emerging variants.Cases Originally From Singapore And Hong KongSingapore and Hong Kong are witnessing a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by LF.7 and NB.1.8 sub-variants. Singapore’s Ministry of Health has urged citizens to get vaccinated, especially those who haven’t received their initial doses. Hong Kong has reached its highest case numbers in over a year and is encouraging mask-wearing and crowd avoidance.What Are the Current Symptoms?Unlike earlier variants, the current wave presents some slightly different symptoms. While cough and sore throat remain common, additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis. Most cases are mild, but health authorities advise individuals to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.