India’s Covid-19 testing rate remained low despite the Centre’s advisory amid an increase in cases. Mass testing may assist determine respiratory ailment causes, but logistical and cost issues may prevent implementation.
State testing rates remain low despite the Centre’s advisory amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in India.
On Monday, experts suggested that while mass testing may not be logistically feasible, it may assist determine the etiology of respiratory diseases nationwide.
India had 628 new Covid-19 cases and 4,054 active cases in one day, according to Union Health Ministry data. The 8 a.m. figures revealed 5,33,334 fatalities, including one additional fatality from Kerala in the preceding 24 hours.
A recent LocalCircles poll found that just 1 in 9 Indians with Covid symptoms take an RT-PCR test.
Due to this, India risks late discovery of JN.1 variation in populations, which could be a problem if it causes serious sickness.
Testing is rare in India for numerous reasons. First, the population seems to believe the outbreak is over. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, told IANS that many doctors agree.
“Secondly, Covid is no longer perceived as a threat as it used to be after vaccination covered most of the country, the severity of the disease came down significantly,” said.
The death rate has lowered since variations have transitioned to Omicron. Thus, individuals believe testing may not affect therapy or outcome.
The doctor added that sending all patients with colds and fever to hospitals for Covid tests is impractical and expensive.
However, not testing will prevent us from determining the cause of respiratory infections. We can tailor therapy and prevention with this knowledge. Dr. Jayadevan remarked we fly blind without testing.
The unexpected rise of Covid cases in the country is attributed to JN.1, from the Omicron variety. It descends from BA.2.86, with the earliest sample taken on August 25, 2023.
JN.1 carries the spike protein L455S mutation, unlike BA.2.86.
It was discovered in Luxembourg in August and is now in 41 nations, including India.
JN.1 was recognized as a variation of interest (VOI) from BA.2.86 by the WHO due to its rapid dissemination. It was VOI in BA.2.86 sublineages.
Till Sunday, 63 JN.1 cases have been reported in Goa (34), Maharashtra (9), Karnataka (8), Kerala (6), Tamil Nadu (4), and Telangana (2).
“Globally, JN.1 is only a variety of interest, thus the general public is not interested. Thus, it does not endanger the public. Even commoners will recover in three to four days. They are not hospitalized or dying. Dr. Ishwar Gilada, Consultant in Infectious Diseases Unison Medicare and Research Centre, Mumbai, explained why bulk testing is unnecessary.
“No JN.1 deaths have been documented until today. The other Covid types widespread in India account for 4 or 5 of the recorded deaths “Told IANS.
Dr. Manoj Goel, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Pulmonology Director, said “mass testing is not a practical solution” for everyone.
He said that “a vulnerable set of people like those above the age of 60 or are patients with diabetes, cancer, heart, or prevailing lung issues, experience cough, cold or fever then they must definitely get tested” .
“And for normal people who don’t have any such prevailing issues and are not very old, they must ensure isolation for the safety of others.”
Mass testing requires logistical cooperation and financial resources, said Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
“Proper contact tracing, quarantine, and respiratory and contact transmission prevention should suffice for now.
Since influenza is the main cause of respiratory infections, a Covid-19 and influenza PCR test may be practical. Gupta claimed this would simplify testing and reveal both viruses.
Conclusion
In India, 628 new Covid-19 cases were reported in one day, with 4,054 current cases. One Kerala death was reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 5,33,334. Only 1 in 9 Indians with Covid symptoms are getting an RT-PCR test, placing communities at risk of late JN.1 variant detection. Due to difficulties and public conviction that the pandemic is over, mass testing may not be possible.
Death rates have dropped after variations became Omicron. Despite this, sending everyone for a Covid test is impracticable and expensive. The dramatic rise in Covid cases may be attributed to JN.1, from the Omicron variety. The World Health Organization considers JN.1 a VOI due to its rapid spread. For now, rigorous contact tracking, quarantine, and basic preventive measures should suffice. Mass testing is not feasible. A combination Covid-19 and influenza PCR test could simplify testing and provide significant information about both viruses.
