Once again an increase in Corona virus cases is being seen in China. However, this time the situation is not like the epidemic that started from Wuhan in 2020. Chinese health officials say that this time the infection is spreading rapidly, but most of the patients have mild symptoms and the number of serious cases is very less. In the month of June, about 79 thousand new corona patients were found in China. Of these, 130 patients were in critical condition and one person died.
According to China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), at present the NB.1.8.1 variant of Omicron is spreading the most in the country. This variant is now spreading at a medium level. According to CDC data from July 13 to 19, the positivity rate of corona test has increased to 16.3%. A week before this it was around 12%. At the same time, the positivity rate of influenza has decreased to 12.6%. This means that for the first time this year, Corona has become a more spread infection than flu. Chinese health officials say that most of the patients have mild symptoms like fever, sore throat and cold. Most people are recovering in 5 to 7 days.
Why is the virus spreading rapidly?
Experts say that in summer people spend more time in closed rooms with air conditioners. Besides, travel also increases during summer holidays. This gives the virus a chance to spread. However, doctors say that the new variants are not more serious than the previous ones. Infections have increased, but hospitalizations and deaths have not increased in the same proportion.
According to Chinese doctors, last year in May 2025 the positivity rate of Corona had reached more than 20%. This time the infection is much below that level. Experts also say that the immunity created by previous infection and vaccine decreases with time. Therefore, Corona cases may increase from time to time and small outbreaks may also be seen at some places in the coming months.
Should India be worried?
At present there is no situation for India to panic. So far, there has been no indication that the NB.1.8.1 variant spreading in China is proving to be as dangerous as before. Even in India, no unusual situation related to this variant has come to light.
Still, health experts are advising that the elderly, pregnant women, small children, people with weak immunity and patients suffering from serious diseases should take precautions. Corona cases have definitely increased in China, but there is no possibility of a Wuhan-like epidemic or major health crisis. For India too, the most important thing right now is not to panic, but to remain alert.
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