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India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures

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Between March 1 and June 24, 2025, India recorded 7,192 suspected cases of heatstroke and 14 confirmed deaths due to extreme heat, according to data obtained by PTI through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The information, provided by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), points to a growing public health concern amid soaring temperatures, as India experiences one of its hottest years on record since 1901. Majority of Heatstroke Cases Reported in May May proved to be the most critical month, with 2,962 suspected cases and three confirmed deaths. In April, there were 2,140 suspected cases and six confirmed fatalities, while March saw 705 cases and two deaths. Up to June 24, June added another 1,385 suspected cases and three confirmed fatalities. Andhra Pradesh emerged as the worst-hit state, reporting 4,055 suspected cases — more than half the national total during the period. Other significantly affected states included Rajasthan (373 cases), Odisha (350), Telangana (348), and Madhya Pradesh (297). Gaps in Death Reporting Highlight Systemic Flaws Despite the high number of suspected cases, many states, including those with hundreds of reported incidents, recorded few or no confirmed deaths. Maharashtra and Uttarakhand topped the list of confirmed fatalities, each reporting three deaths. Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal each reported one. Experts and officials say the actual toll is likely much higher than reported due to systemic shortcomings in data collection and diagnosis. NCDC’s figures are based on reports from hospitals under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), leaving out cases that go untreated or undiagnosed, especially those occurring outside medical facilities. A health ministry official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged these limitations: “We only capture a fraction of real cases. Many deaths go unclassified due to lack of capacity, staff, and timely reporting in hospitals.” Inconsistent Records Across Agencies India’s fragmented approach to tracking heat-related illnesses was further exposed in a PTI investigation. For the 2015–2022 period, three government agencies reported vastly different numbers: NCDC cited 3,812 heat-related deaths, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 8,171, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) listed 3,436. Discrepancies are further worsened by states failing to provide complete or timely data. In previous years, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have all been inconsistent in their reporting, with some reportedly underreporting deaths to avoid paying compensation. Heat-Related Deaths Often Misclassified Abhiyant Tiwari, Climate Resilience and Health Lead at NRDC India, emphasized the difficulty of accurately linking deaths to heat exposure. “Many are recorded as heart attacks or other conditions. To understand the true impact, we must look at excess mortality during heatwaves,” he said. Soumya Swaminathan, advisor to the Health Ministry, echoed the call for reform. “We need stronger death certification and reporting systems. Reliable data is essential for shaping effective climate and health policies,” she noted. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves, the lack of a unified, robust national surveillance system remains a serious barrier to India’s readiness and response. Source: Economic Times  

India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures Read More »

ICMR Opens Door for Commercial Production of Next-Gen Malaria Vaccine

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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a major step forward in the fight against malaria by inviting expressions of interest (EoI) from eligible companies and manufacturers for the commercial production of a breakthrough malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax. Developed by the ICMR’s Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, this recombinant chimeric multi-stage vaccine targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, offering both individual protection and reduced community transmission. Pre-clinical validation of the vaccine technology was carried out in collaboration with ICMR-NIMR (National Institute of Malaria Research), other ICMR institutes, and the National Institute of Immunology in Delhi, which operates under the Department of Biotechnology. ICMR-RMRCBB will provide technical know-how and hands-on support throughout the vaccine production process to ensure a smooth and efficient pathway to commercialisation. Furthermore, ICMR’s team of seasoned scientists will assist in product development, study design, protocol development, data and results analysis, efficacy and safety assessments, and necessary improvements, based on mutual agreement with the collaborating partner. This initiative marks a significant stride in India’s effort to eliminate malaria through indigenous innovation and collaborative biotech development. Source: PTI

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India Nears Completion of Phase-3 Trials for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine: ICMR

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India is on the cusp of a major public health milestone, with nearly 8,000 out of a targeted 10,000 participants already enrolled in Phase-3 clinical trials of the country’s first homegrown dengue vaccine, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, confirmed the progress in an interaction with The Hindu. The large-scale trials, which are being conducted at 20 different centres across the country, are testing the efficacy of DengiAll, a tetravalent vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec. This formulation aims to provide protection against all four known dengue virus serotypes that co-circulate in various parts of India. “An effective vaccine must be able to offer strong immunity against all four strains,” Dr. Murhekar emphasized. The ICMR is the primary funder of the project, with Panacea Biotec offering partial financial and technical support. Once vaccinated, participants will be monitored for a period of two years at locations including Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for dengue in India, despite the disease being a recurring and widespread health issue. India remains among the top 30 countries most affected by dengue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). By the end of 2023, over 129 countries had reported cases of dengue globally. The candidate vaccine, DengiAll, is derived from the TV003/TV005 tetravalent strain originally created by the U.S.-based National Institutes of Health. Panacea Biotec is one of three Indian firms granted access to the strain and has advanced furthest in the development process. The company completed early-stage (Phase-1 and 2) trials in 2018–19, which delivered encouraging results. It also holds a process patent for its unique formulation. The Union Health Ministry highlighted that the first participant in the Phase-3 trial received a dose at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak last year. Dengue poses a significant health threat in India. Although 75–80% of infections are asymptomatic, individuals can still spread the virus via Aedes mosquito bites. Among symptomatic cases—comprising about 20–25%—children face an elevated risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. In adults, the disease can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The challenge of controlling the virus is compounded by the presence of four distinct serotypes, each offering limited cross-immunity, making repeated infections common. With the success of this trial, India could soon have its first domestically developed and licensed dengue vaccine, marking a crucial step forward in the country’s fight against vector-borne diseases. Source: The Hindu  

India Nears Completion of Phase-3 Trials for Indigenous Dengue Vaccine: ICMR Read More »

India May Face Over 1.6 Million Gastric Cancer Cases, Global Study Warns

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A new international study published in Nature Medicine has sounded the alarm over a possible surge in gastric cancer cases, predicting that more than 15 million individuals born between 2008 and 2017 could develop the disease globally during their lifetime. India is projected to bear a significant burden, second only to China, with an estimated 1.6 million cases if current prevention efforts remain unchanged. The research, led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research wing of the World Health Organization, used global cancer incidence data from GLOBOCAN 2022 along with UN demographic forecasts. It found that nearly two-thirds of future gastric cancer cases will likely emerge in Asia, with India and China alone expected to contribute about 6.5 million new diagnoses. A key finding of the study highlights that 76% of these cases could be linked to Helicobacter pylori—a widespread and chronic bacterial infection of the stomach that significantly increases cancer risk. Despite being preventable and treatable, H. pylori remains a major health challenge in many countries. Gastric cancer is currently the fifth most deadly cancer worldwide. The study also points to an anticipated six-fold rise in cases across sub-Saharan Africa, where the current incidence is relatively low. Experts behind the research are urging governments to invest in large-scale preventive measures—especially in screening and treatment programs targeting H. pylori. They stress that such interventions could slash future cancer cases by as much as 75%. The researchers warn that an ageing global population, along with rising cancer rates in younger people, could undo recent progress in cancer control if swift action is not taken. The findings reinforce the urgent need for countries, particularly in Asia, to enhance public health strategies focusing on early diagnosis, education, and bacterial eradication to curb the looming threat of gastric cancer. Source: CNBCTV18

India May Face Over 1.6 Million Gastric Cancer Cases, Global Study Warns Read More »

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

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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

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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 »

Ayushman Bharat Transforms Rural Healthcare in Bihar, Saves Over ₹1,000 Crore in Just One Year

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Bihar is undergoing a healthcare transformation, with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) playing a central role in improving the well-being of millions, especially in rural communities. In a landmark achievement, the state has enabled its citizens to save over ₹1,000 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses within a year—highlighting the scheme’s profound impact. Access to affordable, quality healthcare is rapidly becoming a reality for Bihar’s rural population. Through the dedicated efforts of the State Health Agency (SHA), the state has achieved universal coverage for all eligible families under the AB PM-JAY umbrella. This milestone ensures that no entitled household is left without the financial protection and healthcare support promised under India’s flagship public health insurance programme. Enhancing the reach of healthcare services further, the state government has integrated the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana—a complementary state-level initiative. This integration not only broadens the scope of beneficiaries but also reinforces the healthcare infrastructure to provide better, free-of-cost medical services. Today, Bihar boasts a network of over 1,100 empanelled hospitals under the scheme, with private institutions making up half of this total. This public-private synergy has dramatically improved access, reduced patient wait times, and brought quality medical treatment within reach of even the most remote populations. To ensure smooth and transparent implementation, the SHA has rolled out several strategic measures—ranging from real-time digital monitoring and regular audits to grassroots awareness campaigns and grievance redressal systems. These initiatives aim to eliminate corruption and ensure the benefits reach those who need them the most. Officials assert that the scheme is not only improving health outcomes but also mitigating rural hardship, reducing debt from medical expenses, and empowering families with economic and social stability. As Bihar emerges as a model for effective public healthcare delivery, the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY stands as a testament to what focused governance and inclusive policies can achieve—redefining rural healthcare in India. Source: ANI  

Ayushman Bharat Transforms Rural Healthcare in Bihar, Saves Over ₹1,000 Crore in Just One Year Read More »

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

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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 »

Highly Contagious COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads from China to the US

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A newly emerging COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 — known for its high transmissibility and recent surge in China — has now been identified in the United States, including cases in New York City, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant was first detected among international travelers entering the U.S. between late March and early April through airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Since then, additional infections have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. Although the U.S. case count remains relatively small, public health experts are monitoring the situation closely due to the variant’s rapid spread across Asia, where it has become the leading strain. In Hong Kong, the NB.1.8.1 variant has led to a significant rise in hospital admissions and emergency visits, particularly affecting senior citizens. Reports indicate that within a span of four weeks, the city recorded 81 severe cases and 30 fatalities, primarily among individuals aged 65 and older. Mainland China has also seen a steep increase in COVID-positive patients in emergency departments, along with a spike in hospitalizations. However, Chinese health authorities maintain that the variant does not pose a greater threat than earlier strains. U.S. experts are taking a more cautious stance. Dr. Amy Edwards of Case Western Reserve University noted that while NB.1.8.1 may not result in more severe illness, its rapid transmission is concerning. “There’s a clear increase in hospital activity in places like China and Hong Kong,” she told CBS News. CDC data shows that those carrying the variant had traveled from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, France, Spain, and Taiwan — suggesting broader international transmission. NB.1.8.1 presents symptoms similar to prior variants — including fatigue, fever, sore throat, and coughing — but scientists believe it has a “growth advantage,” potentially allowing it to spread more efficiently. Dr. Subhash Verma from the University of Nevada highlighted this increased transmissibility as a cause for concern. In Hong Kong, Dr. Edwin Tsui of the Centre for Health Protection urged vigilance, warning that the variant might be more adept at bypassing existing vaccine defenses. Health officials there are tracking the variant’s evolution in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. The emergence of NB.1.8.1 coincides with changes to U.S. COVID-19 vaccine policy. The CDC recently updated its guidelines, advising against routine vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women. Future booster shots will primarily target high-risk populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Source: NDTV Photo Credit: Reuters

Highly Contagious COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads from China to the US Read More »

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

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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 »