India’s COVID-19 situation remains stable. Officials report a few JN.1 variant cases, circulating since 2023, but say there's no cause for concern. No new advisories have been issued
Published May 24, 2025 | 10:36 PM ⚊ Updated May 24, 2025 | 10:36 PM
Telangana: Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha holds high-level review on COVID-19 status
Synopsis: Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha chaired a high-level review on May 24 to assess the state’s COVID-19 status and monsoon-related health preparedness. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, officials, and epidemiologists reviewed global trends, noting slight case increases abroad but low hospitalization rates. The meeting emphasized readiness for seasonal illnesses during the upcoming monsoon.
Minister for Health Damodar Rajanarasimha, chaired a high-level review meeting today, 24 May, to assess the current COVID-19 situation in Telangana and evaluate the preparedness of the Health Department to manage seasonal illnesses during the upcoming monsoon period.
Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, senior Health Department officials, and leading epidemiologists attended the meeting. Experts presented a detailed update on the national and global COVID-19 trends. While some countries have seen a marginal rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalization rates remain low.
In India, the situation continues to be stable. A few cases of the JN.1 variant—circulating since 2023—have been detected but are not a cause for concern, officials clarified.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has not issued any new advisories, reaffirming the controlled nature of the outbreak.
Epidemiologists briefed the Minister that COVID-19 entered the endemic phase nearly three years ago, and occasional fluctuations in case numbers are consistent with endemic patterns.
Given the season, an increase in common respiratory infections like cough, cold, and fever is anticipated.
Officials highlighted that herd immunity due to widespread immunization, the mild nature of the JN.1 variant, and minimal hospitalization indicate no immediate threat.
Sporadic cases are being managed effectively through existing healthcare infrastructure, with no significant rise in institutional care or hospital admissions, except among individuals with chronic comorbidities.
The Health Department confirmed that the State is well-equipped with adequate stocks of testing kits, medicines, and essential supplies.
Citizens are urged to remain calm and maintain personal hygiene and preventive practices.
Minister Rajanarasimha directed officials to continue monitoring national and international developments and emphasized the need for sustained public education on the endemic status of COVID-19.
Turning to the monsoon season, the Minister cautioned about the likely rise in vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. He appealed to the public to stay vigilant, maintain cleanliness, and eliminate stagnant water to curb mosquito breeding.
He also instructed the Health Department to launch widespread awareness campaigns across rural and urban areas, stressing environmental hygiene and disease prevention.
Furthermore, he called for coordinated efforts with the Departments of Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration, and allied bodies for proactive planning and control of seasonal illnesses.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
