Unsure of variant, rise in Covid cases baffle docs

The rising new cases of Covid-19 in districts of Warangal Urban, Khammam and Karimnagar have become a serious concern for the doctors as these are not being genome sequenced to understand whether it is delta, delta plus or a new variant.

Doctors of both government and private sectors say that the districts are seeing cases in the age group of 30 to 50 years and there are also paediatric cases being reported. Dr V Rakesh, vice-president of Telangana Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association in Warangal Urban explained, “Apart from those who are not following Covid appropriate behaviour, it has been noted that highly compromised patients are also getting easily infected. Whether it is delta or delta plus or any other virus mutation is not known. There is also the underlying burden of chronic alcoholism and that is coming to the fore in the pandemic.” It has also been noted that the load in the public health centres is rising and the doctors are not able to attend to all patients. Due to this reason, those who are suffering from mild cases are roaming around and not getting quarantined. These cases are coming back as severe cases and require hospitalisation, said a senior government doctor on condition of anonymity.

There is also a lot of movement of people due to political activity and ensuing elections which is leading to influx of people from different parts of the state. Apart from agriculture and economic activities, other socio-political activities too are adding to the burden.

Dr Lav Kumar Reddy, president of IMA in Telangana explained, “We have seen a very slow decline in the cases, but there is certainly a rise being seen due to the festival season, family functions, opening up of cinema theatres and pubs.”