Active Covid infections cross 500-mark in Karnataka
Posted 14 Mar 2023 | Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Karnataka has reported a slight increase in Covid-19 cases. As of March 13, 2023, the state has 510 active cases. As many as 62 fresh cases were reported in the state on Monday. The positivity rate for March 12 stood at 4.5%, while the weekly total positivity rate was 2.60%.

"We are seeing a slight increase in cases," said Dr KV Thrilok Chandra , special commissioner, health, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), adding that most Covid-19 patients who are getting admitted are those with comorbidities.

D Randeep, commissioner, health and family welfare services, observed that the rise in Covid cases is not restricted to Karnataka.

Doc cites rise in travel, minimal use of masks

The country breached 500 active cases for the first time in 113 days. This reveals the infection levels are overall higher. That said, what is of concern is the higher hospitalization level, especially in BBMP area. Clinical audit of these cases would throw up the prevalence trend," Randeep said.

At Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, only three cases were reported in December 2022 as against six in January and four in February. In the first 10 days of March, two cases have already been reported, said Dr Manoj Kumar HV, dean and director of the hospital.

With increased travel, minimal use of masks, poor uptake with Covid precautionary dose and increased testing, Covid cases have increased abruptly, said Dr Swati Rajagopal, consultant, infectious diseases and travel medicine, at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.

Dr Govindaiah Yatheesh, president of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), Karnataka, said: "In Apollo Hospitals, out of 36 cases that were suspected and tested in the last one week, eight were positive." There are reported cases of Influenza A and Covid on the rise, which makes diagnosis more challenging.