ArdorComm Media Group

Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:24 PM

ICMR

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination with sudden or unexplained deaths in India. This conclusion is backed by comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that extensive investigations were carried out across the country by multiple research agencies to examine reports of sudden deaths, particularly among seemingly healthy young adults. Findings from these studies have consistently shown no direct association between COVID-19 vaccines and such fatalities. Two key studies have been pivotal in reaching this conclusion. The first, undertaken by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), is a multicentric matched case-control study titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45 years in India.” Conducted across 47 tertiary hospitals in 19 states and union territories from May to August 2023, the research analyzed cases between October 2021 and March 2023. The outcome was clear: COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden death in young, otherwise healthy adults. The second study, still in progress, is being led by AIIMS, New Delhi, with ICMR’s collaboration and support. This prospective research—“Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young”—aims to pinpoint the most common reasons behind such fatalities. Preliminary data reveals that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) remain the leading cause of sudden death in this demographic, with no significant shift in trends compared to previous years. In many cases, genetic factors have also emerged as likely contributors. These studies offer valuable insights into sudden deaths among young individuals and provide reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers highlight that deaths may stem from a range of issues, including underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyles, rather than vaccination. Public health experts have strongly criticized unverified claims linking vaccines to sudden deaths, calling them unscientific and dangerous. Such misinformation not only lacks factual basis but also poses a serious risk to public trust and could foster vaccine hesitancy, undermining one of the most effective tools used during the pandemic to save lives. The government reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven public health policies and continued research to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens. Source: ANI

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry Read More »

Indigenous Kit Developed for Accurate, Rapid Detection of Nipah Virus: ICMR-NIV

In a significant stride for India’s healthcare innovation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a homegrown rapid diagnostic kit capable of detecting the Nipah virus with complete accuracy. Designed for swift deployment in the field, the portable test delivers results in just 1 to 2 hours without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment. Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, highlighted the effectiveness of the kit, stating, “It is 100% sensitive and specific, relying on the amplification of the viral gene without requiring specialised machinery.” The cost-effective test is priced at ₹250 and is based on the Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay technique. The Nipah virus, a highly lethal zoonotic pathogen with a mortality rate of approximately 50%, is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats. It can also spread via contaminated food or human-to-human contact. Symptoms of the infection range from mild flu-like signs to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, often proving fatal. Recent outbreaks of the disease, particularly the 2023 episode in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, underscore the urgent need for swift and reliable diagnostics. ICMR is concurrently collaborating with Zydus Health Sciences (Ahmedabad) and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (Faridabad) on the development of monoclonal antibodies. Efforts are also underway to create an indigenous vaccine for the virus. NIV remains the only laboratory in India equipped to culture the Nipah virus, making it central to the country’s disease surveillance and response capabilities. Source: ANI

Indigenous Kit Developed for Accurate, Rapid Detection of Nipah Virus: ICMR-NIV Read More »

India Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases: Active Infections Near 4,000, Deaths Reported Across Key States

Ardorcomm news

India is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 infections, with active cases reaching 3,961 as of Monday, June 2—a jump of 566 cases from the previous day, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The recent surge is driven primarily by states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, which are reporting the highest case numbers. Since the start of the year, the country has registered 32 COVID-related deaths, including four in the last 24 hours. One fatality each was reported from Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The deceased include a 22-year-old woman from Delhi with a history of post-tuberculosis complications and a 44-year-old man from Maharashtra suffering from acute respiratory distress and aortic valve problems. While Kerala confirmed another death, specific details are awaited. Delhi Records Steepest Daily Spike; Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Also Report Fatalities Delhi saw the most significant daily rise in active infections among major states, adding 47 new cases and logging one death. Tamil Nadu, with 189 active cases, reported the passing of a 25-year-old man with underlying bronchial asthma and acute kidney complications. Karnataka, currently reporting 253 active cases, recorded a fresh fatality, while Uttar Pradesh reported two deaths and has 157 active cases. In total, 16 states and Union Territories have recorded COVID-related deaths in 2025. However, the majority of cases remain mild, with limited hospital admissions. Kerala Leads in Caseload; Maharashtra, West Bengal Also on High Alert Kerala continues to report the highest number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,435, rising from 1,336 the previous day. Maharashtra follows with 506 active cases, and Delhi with 483. West Bengal has also seen a surge, reporting 331 active infections. Other notable figures include: Gujarat: 338 Karnataka: 253 Tamil Nadu: 189 Uttar Pradesh: 157 Rajasthan: 69 States like Madhya Pradesh (23), Haryana (28), and Odisha (12) have recorded smaller increases. In the last 24 hours, 203 patients have recovered, pushing the total number of recoveries and migrations this year to 2,188. Authorities Urge Caution, Not Panic Health experts and officials maintain that the situation is under control, emphasizing that most new cases are mild and manageable at home. Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reassured the public that while increased vigilance is necessary, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. The rise in cases coincides with the detection of new Omicron sub-variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—identified in genome sequencing studies from western and southern India. These have been classified by the World Health Organization as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating they don’t currently pose a significant global threat. Preparedness Measures in Place as Precaution In response, state health departments—particularly in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala—are ramping up hospital readiness and reviewing medical supply logistics. Citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues, are being encouraged to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings. Experts stress that while the virus is spreading faster due to more contagious but less severe sub-variants, preventive strategies such as timely testing, vaccination, and community awareness remain key to containing its impact. Though the overall caseload is still far lower than during peak waves, the recent tenfold increase over two weeks underscores the need for continued monitoring, public cooperation, and proactive measures to avoid another significant outbreak. Source: Economic Times Photo Credit: iStock   

India Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases: Active Infections Near 4,000, Deaths Reported Across Key States Read More »

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report

India has recorded the presence of two newly emerging COVID-19 subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—according to recent data released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). While these variants are currently categorized as Variants Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO), they have been linked to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across China and parts of Asia. As per the INSACOG data, a single case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were reported from Gujarat in May 2025. Despite these new detections, the dominant strain circulating in India remains JN.1, accounting for approximately 53% of the tested samples. It is followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron-related variants (20%). Preliminary assessments by WHO suggest that NB.1.8.1 poses a low global public health risk, but the subvariant carries spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I—that may enhance both transmissibility and the ability to evade immune responses. As of May 19, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases. A high-level review meeting was recently convened, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, with participation from the ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control, and other leading health agencies to monitor the evolving situation. Meanwhile, certain states have shown localized spikes. Delhi reported 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh had four, Telangana confirmed one, and Bengaluru recorded a positive case in a nine-month-old infant, reflecting a steady rise over the last 20 days. Kerala, in particular, reported 273 cases in May alone. Source: PTI

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report Read More »

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres

The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is advancing efforts to establish Technical Resource Centres (TRCs) aimed at synthesizing and evaluating evidence to develop and promote evidence-based healthcare policies. These centres will play a pivotal role in formulating clinical guidelines and enhancing the adoption of best practices within the healthcare sector. ICMR has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from researchers, faculty, and scientists to join these centres. Each TRC will receive financial support of up to ₹20 lakh per year, with funding initially set for three years and subject to annual performance reviews. The TRCs will conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to generate high-quality evidence, utilizing the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. The centres will also organize training programs and workshops to disseminate best practices and support effective guideline development. Regular monitoring visits, professional development plans, and biannual training programs are integral components of the TRCs’ operations. Manuscripts based on completed evidence tables are expected to be submitted within three months. The ICMR has outlined eligibility criteria for applicants, including regular employment at medical institutes, research centres, universities, or colleges, along with the necessary experience, resources, and preferably access to relevant databases. Applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, with selected participants to be notified via email and the DHR website in September 2024. The evaluation of applications will be based on expertise in evidence synthesis, available infrastructure and resources, publication history, and the extent of collaboration and networking capabilities. Source: The Hindu

Health Ministry Initiates Recruitment for Technical Resource Centres Read More »

ICMR Releases Dietary Guidelines, Links 56% of Diseases in India to Diet

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released 17 dietary guidelines aimed at meeting essential nutrient requirements and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes. According to the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), estimates suggest that 56.4% of the total disease burden in India is attributable to unhealthy diets. The guidelines emphasize the importance of healthy diets and physical activity in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HTN), and type 2 diabetes. They recommend measures such as restricting salt intake, moderating the use of oils and fats, engaging in regular exercise, and minimizing consumption of sugar and ultra-processed foods. Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN, led a multi-disciplinary committee of experts in drafting the guidelines, which underwent scientific review. The aim is to promote informed and healthy food choices, encourage adoption of a healthy lifestyle, and address issues related to malnutrition. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, highlighted the relevance of the guidelines in addressing the changing food landscape in India. He emphasized the importance of promoting holistic nutrition and health while tackling the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The guidelines advocate for a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, limiting cereals to 45% of total calories, and incorporating pulses, beans, meat, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and milk for essential nutrients. The NIN underscores the need to address the limited availability and high cost of certain food items, which can lead to inadequate intake of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders from a young age.  

ICMR Releases Dietary Guidelines, Links 56% of Diseases in India to Diet Read More »

Health Minister Mandaviya Chairs High-Level Meeting on Preparedness for COVID-19 Variant JN.1 in India

In response to the emergence of the COVID-19 variant JN.1 in India, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a virtual high-level meeting on Wednesday to evaluate the current status and preparedness for the evolving situation. The meeting was attended by MoS (Health) Prof SP Singh Baghel, Health Minister of Uttarakhand Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, ICMR DG Dr. Rajeev Bahl, Member (Health) NITI Aayog Dr. V K Paul, and former WHO Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan. As India grapples with a surge in fresh COVID-19 cases, the meeting aimed to foster a collaborative “Whole of Government” approach in close coordination among various states. The attendees discussed the importance of vigilance without causing panic and emphasized the need for comprehensive preparedness measures. Minister Mandaviya stressed the significance of unity and collaboration, stating, “It is time to work together in a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, through closely working with each other. We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic.” He urged the implementation of mock drills for hospital preparedness, increased surveillance, and effective communication with the public. Notably, he proposed conducting mock drills in all hospitals every three months to enhance readiness. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Health Minister assured full support from the Central Government to the states. The meeting addressed the necessity of proactive measures, given the reported death of an individual in Karnataka’s Bengaluru on Wednesday, who was not only affected by COVID-19 but also had co-morbidities. The gathering highlighted the collaborative efforts of state health ministers and key health officials, aiming to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to the challenges posed by the emerging COVID-19 variant. As India remains vigilant against the evolving scenario, the commitment to preparedness, regular mock drills, and enhanced communication strategies underscores the nation’s determination to combat the pandemic effectively. The proactive approach advocated by Health Minister Mandaviya aligns with the evolving dynamics of the pandemic, emphasizing the need for continuous preparedness and a united effort in the face of emerging variants.

Health Minister Mandaviya Chairs High-Level Meeting on Preparedness for COVID-19 Variant JN.1 in India Read More »