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Himachal issues fresh Covid alert amid emergence of new variant

Shimla, May 25 (UNI) Amid reports of a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in several parts of the country, the Himachal Pradesh government has issued a fresh alert and directed all district hospitals and medical colleges to ramp up preparedness to deal with possible outbreaks of Covid-19 and influenza.
As per the new guidelines issued by the Himachal chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM), health institutions have been asked to strictly report all cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) through the IHIP-IDSP portal.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 and influenza must also be reported using the L-form.
To monitor the evolution of the virus, it has been made mandatory for medical institutions to send Covid-positive samples to the Department of Microbiology, SLBS Government Medical College, Nerchowk—an INSACOG-recognized laboratory—for whole genome sequencing.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has also been designated for detection of emerging variants. Any confirmed positive cases must be immediately reported to the district and state surveillance units.
Hospitals have been instructed to strengthen their infrastructure, including availability of beds, oxygen supply systems, ventilators, BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, PSA plants, and essential drugs such as antibiotics.
Health experts have warned that the elderly and immunocompromised individuals remain most vulnerable. Citizens are advised to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including regular hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded areas.
Officials say the new JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron, is highly transmissible due to mutations that allow it to bypass vaccine-induced immunity. However, its severity remains low. Common symptoms include dry cough, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
The health department has urged the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and continue taking preventive measures.
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