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The week at Retraction Watch featured:
Our list of retracted or withdrawn COVID-19 papers isup to over 375. There are more than45,000 retractions in The Retraction Watch Database which is nowpart of Crossref. The Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checkernow contains well over 200 titles. And have you seen our leaderboard ofauthors with the most retractions lately or our list oftop 10 most highly cited retracted papers? OrThe Retraction Watch Mass Resignations List?
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With the city anticipating a budget surplus to close out the year, Mayor Brandon Johnson will shift $95 million in COVID-19 relief funds to cover some of the ever-mounting costs of sheltering thousands of asylum-seekers coming to Chicago by the day.
Johnsons top aides said they announced the budget maneuver Friday for the sake of transparency over how the city is paying to care for nearly 15,000 migrants living in city shelters but acknowledged the revised accounting wont move the needle in a crisis pushing city resources to the limit.
This doesnt change that outlook, Johnsons senior adviser, Jason Lee, told the Sun-Times. Were going to continue to lobby the federal government for more support as the situation becomes, frankly, more unstable.
The city had budgeted about $152 million for 2023 city operations to be covered in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the dollars allotted by the federal government in 2021 to help local governments make ends meet amid COVID-19 shutdowns.
Better-than-expected city revenue means some of those operational costs can be covered by the citys corporate fund, freeing up $95 million in federal dollars for the migrant crisis, said city Budget Director Annette Guzman.
The city so far has spent more than $138 million to care for the new arrivals, mostly Venezuelan migrants from the southern U.S. border who have been bused and flown to Chicago by Republican leaders aiming to shift costs to Democratic-led cities.
Johnson has criticized President Joe Bidens administration for not directing more federal money to help deal with a situation thats only expected to escalate.
In a statement, the mayor said [W]e are allocating federal funds to deal with a federal problem. By allocating ARPA funding for this mission, we are meeting the Citys financial obligations without cutting the critical services that Chicagoans rely on every day.
Johnsons office briefed City Council members on the plan Friday.
The $95 million has effectively already been spent on leases, staffing, food and supplies for some of the 27 city shelters that have been launched since last year.
Johnson went to the City Council earlier this year to approve $51 million in emergency spending, and his first budget, which goes into effect in the new year, includes $150 million for migrant spending which his office has acknowledged is well short of what will be needed.
We have reached a critical point in this mission absent real, significant intervention immediately, Johnson said Wednesday in his latest call for more federal assistance. Our local economies are not designed to respond to this kind of crisis.
The city has about $400 million left in federal rescue plan act funds that are earmarked for community projects, according to Guzman, who said city officials dont anticipate resorting to using those dollars for the crisis in 2024.
Covid JN.1 variant has entered India, and the country has reported over 150 cases of the new strain so far, which has raised alarm bells across different cities. Health authorities have urged to bring back social distancing measures and other preventive measures amid New Year celebrations that can further lead to increase in cases. Cold temperatures and festive gatherings may allow the virus to spread more easily. Covid JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron lineage and is more transmissible compared to the previous strains. Experts say it spreads faster than the other Omicron variants but does not cause more severe disease. Fever, cough, cold, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, breathing issues are some of the common symptoms of Covid JN.1. Experts warn that those with co-morbidities or who have suffered lung damage in previous waves must be careful as the new variant can affect them more.
"JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron, which means it has evolved through some genetic changes from Omicron variant to form the current strain which has found a lot of success in its ability to infect and transmit between people. JN.1 has a much higher transmissibility rate as compared to Omicron which means the number of people it can reach is much higher than it was for Omicron. Possibly even a small amount of exposure can cause an infection. If there is even a mild symptom, one must adhere to social distancing norms to protect themselves. With holiday season the risk of transmission goes up because this is the time we all meet and gather and spend time with our friends and families in closed spaces. Moreover, this is the winter time when humidity in the air is much lower which allows the moist droplets to hang in the air, increasing the amount of time that it can expose a person to the infection," says Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, a microbiologist, coronavirus expert, and Covid Awareness Specialist, Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen in a telecon with HT Digital.
Dr Tanu Singhal, Consultant, Paediatrics and Infectious Disease, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says Covid JN.1 can spreads faster than the other Omicron lineages but does not necessarily cause more severe disease.
"JN.1 a descendent of BA 2.86 has emerged as the dominant variant and is currently estimated to cause more than 25% of all SARS-COV infections worldwide. It is causing more than 50% of all infections in the USA and 70% in Singapore. It has been labelled as a Variant of interest by the WHO. This rapid emergence is due to a new mutation in the spike protein which makes it evasive to immunity achieved by previous vaccination/natural infection. Studies show that the Omicron-specific vaccine booster may give some cross protection against JN.1. Fortunately, disease due to JN.1 has been mild and there is no increase in hospitalization as compared to the Omicron lineages," adds Dr Singhal.
Dr. Nikhil Modi, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals says the newer variant of Covid -19 is genetically different and hence spreading more rapidly but agrees that common symptoms remain mild and similar to the previous strains.
"As we have seen in the past, Covid has come up with new or updated variants over time. The severity of different variants has varied, and for the time being, most cases associated with the JN.1 involved symptoms such as headaches and others.
However, this new variant differs in the sense that it can spread faster compared to other variants. As the number of cases increases, we might start to observe more severe cases as well. The common symptoms we are currently seeing include cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and fever, which can be high-grade. Headaches are also reported in some cases.
Being genetically different, this variant has the ability to spread more rapidly. The severity of cases so far has been mild. Only as we see more and more cases will we be able to understand more about its impact," says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi warns there are notable symptoms of JN.1 that individuals should know, as they may not be as mild as those associated with other Omicron variants.
"The JN.1 variant distinguishes itself from Pirola or BA. 2.86 through a singular mutation in its spike protein. Although it shares traits with prior Omicron strains, such as high transmissibility and mild symptoms, there are notable symptoms that individuals should be alert to, as they might not be as mild as those associated with other Omicron variants. Critical symptoms of the JN.1 Covid variant that warrant attention include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in certain instances, moderate gastrointestinal issues. Some patients may also experience breathing difficulties. It's crucial to emphasize that, at present, there is no evidence indicating that this variant is more severe or has higher fatality rates in comparison to other variants," says Dr Kumar.
"While it has high rates of transmissibility, it does not seem to be much more virulent in terms of severity of symptoms. But the severity may also depend on underlying conditions and the overall health of the person who's infection. This could be their health conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, stress and autoimmune diseases, cancer etc. If you had Covid and you had a severe infection due to which your lungs are scarred, this can allow the new variant to further damage the lungs which makes it difficult for the body to recover and help the body to breathe easily," says Dr Pavithra.
"JN.1 variant has usual symptoms like fever, fatigue, body ache. It also has mild gastrointestinal symptoms like mild stomach cramps or loose stools. Not the major food poisoning. As a lay person, you cannot find which variant you have. Vaccines available in India, there is no evidence to suggest that they are not effective. If you have vaccinated and boosted, you have done the most in order to protect yourself," says Dr Pavithra.
"While there is no need for immediate panic, initial findings suggest that JN.1 may not exhibit increased severity compared to earlier Covid variations. Nevertheless, comprehensive research is imperative to fully comprehend its behaviour. Vigilance in monitoring its transmissibility and impact on immunity is essential, and both India and the global community are closely scrutinizing these aspects. To curb the spread of infection, it is vital to adhere to all necessary precautions, including regular handwashing and wearing masks," concludes Dr Kumar.
"With the given rise in Covid-19 cases, especially the concern about the JN.1 variant, which possibly could have a slightly higher transmissibility than the other current variants, I think people need to be more aware and should be a bit more cautious about the whole situation and not panic. I believe a significant amount of vigilance is required, but there is no need for panic. It is important to set clear precautions that people should take. I think individuals with a high risk of comorbidities, such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy, the elderly, people with diabetes, and those with uncontrolled hypertension, should definitely wear a mask in crowded places and closed or confined spaces, especially when traveling in a plane, air-conditioned compartment in a train or in a bus. This is the time when they should prioritize wearing a mask to protect themselves. Similarly, people should become a little bit more self -cognizant of the fact that if they are unwell, they should make sure that they do not travel out in open and enclosed spaces with people and if they are stepping out of the house in open space, they wear a mask so that they will be reverse isolating and protecting the other people as well. So I think these few things if we follow the holiday season should be enjoyed by everyone, and it will be safe for everyone," says Prof. Dr. Rahul Pandit, Chair, Critical Care, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Covid-19 JN.1 news highlights: India reported a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases in the country as of December 26, Health Ministry sources have said. As many as 36 cases were reported from Gujarat, 34 from Karnataka, 14 from Goa, 9 from Maharashtra, 6 from Kerala, 4 from Rajasthan, 4 from Tamil Nadu and 2 from Telangana, the sources updated.
Covid-19 LIVE updates
On Wednesday, India recorded 529 fresh COVID-19 cases in a single day, while the country's active infection count stood at 4,093. Three new fatalities -- two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat -- were reported in 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but infections have again gone up after the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions.
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.
Catch all the LIVE Updates on Covid, JN.1 variant here
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: There has been a consistent increase in the number of coronavirus cases over the last few weeks and nine states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.
Accoridng to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), Kerala has reported 78 cases of new variant, Gujarat has reported 34, Goa has reported 18, Karnataka has reported 8, Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) and Delhi (one).
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Amid rising cases of coronavirus across India, cases in Gujarat are not alarming as 22 of the 36 patients infected with sub-variant JN.1 so far have already recovered during home isolation, said the states health minister Rushikesh Patel on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, Patel said Gujarat currently has 66 active cases of Covid-19, including 47 in Ahmedabad, 10 in Rajkot, 4 in Gandhinagar, and one each in Dahod, Gir Somnath, Kutch, Morbi and Sabarkantha districts.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Amid rising Covid-19 cases, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday visited the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital on Thursday to take stock of preparedness for Covid-19.
The arrangement for RT-PCR testing have been made outside the hospital and there are modern equipment at the health facility. Bharadwaj also said that no Covid patient is admitted in the hospital currently.
"Following the oxygen shortage that was seen during the Covid wave in Delhi and across the country, the hospital now has piped oxygen supply through a centralised system," he said.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Amid rising cases of Covid-19 virus, Delhi reported two fresh cases on Thursday. The reports of the two positive cases have been sent for genome sequencing to confirm, wether they are caused by the new subvariant or not, said the Medical Superintendent of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital.
"We have increased the number of tests. Yesterday, we performed 636 tests in private and government hospitals combined. Three genome sequencing results were received yesterday, out of which two were old Omicron variants and one was JN.1," said Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj.
A total of 157 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the country, with Kerala reporting the highest number of 78, followed by Gujarat at 34, according to the INSACOG's data updated on Thursday.
Several states have been reporting an uptick in the number of Covid cases over the last few weeks and nine states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.
These states are -- Kerala (78), Gujarat (34), Goa (18), Karnataka (eight), Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) and Delhi (one), according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
The total number of Covid-19 cases in Odisha has risen to eight after three fresh infections were detected, public health director Niranjan Mishra said on Thursday.
All the eight patients are currently in home isolation, he added.
Mishra reassured the public that there is no need to panic as no one has been hospitalized in the state thus far.
He said, "All districts have increased Covid-19 testing. On Wednesday, a total of 690 samples were tested, with three testing positive."
Citing national statistics, Mishra said 92 per cent of Covid patients are in home isolation, and only those with comorbidities are being admitted to hospitals.
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, Lady Hardinge Hospital here has reserved 48 beds for the patients.
Apart from this, six ICU beds and a ward with 30 beds have also been reserved for Covid patients in the new building of Lady Hardinge Hospital.
Additionally, 12 beds have been reserved for paediatric patients in Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, which comes under Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Recently, the Director of the hospital also held a meeting with all the stakeholders and information was taken regarding all the arrangements related to COVID-19.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) cadres took out a silent procession in Kancheepuram with candles in their hands and garlanded DMDK founder and actor Vijayakanth's portrait when it ended near the bus depot on Thursday.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder-leader and actor Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai, aged 71, after testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Actor Jr NTR took to X to pay tribute to the late actor Vijayakanth. He wrote,
"Saddened to learn about Vijayakanth Garu's passing. A true powerhouse in both cinema and politics. May his soul find eternal peace. My thoughts are with his family and friends."
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj asserted that there are no new cases of JN.1 subvariant of COVID in Delhi at present after one patient infected with the virus was discharged on Thursday.
"We have increased the number of tests. Yesterday, we performed 636 tests in private and government hospitals combined. Three genome sequencing results were received yesterday, out of which two were old Omicron variants and one was JN.1," Minister Bhardwaj said.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: On JN.1 Covid-19 sub-variant, MoS Health Dr.Bharati Pravin Pawar said, "Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has held a meeting with all States on this. Testing and genome sequencing increased in states. Senior citizens should take precautions. There is no need to worry but precautions should be taken. We are monitoring the situation in Kerala where cases are high."
While speaking to ANI, Director, Public Health, Dr. Niranjan Mishra said, "We have increased surveillance on testing, yesterday 690 samples were tested out of them 378 were RT-PCR. Out of them, we detected 3 positive cases. This month for December, we have 8 active cases in our observation, all are in home isolation, not requiring hospitalisation."
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: As per Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, " The cases are going up but the situation is not alarming. People need not worry. All medical colleges and district hospitals are directed to keep beds ready for any eventuality."
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE:Covid tests ramped up, 636 conducted on Wednesday: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to PTI
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: India recorded 692 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. The total active caseload increased by four, reaching 4,097, according to Union Health Ministry data.
As per official data, six deaths have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours - two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.
With this, the total count of coronavirus cases in India since its outbreak in January 2020 has reached 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in the last 24 hours. The total death toll due to COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 5,33,346, reflecting an increase of six deaths in the last 24 hours.
The total number of active Covid cases in Tamil Nadu was reported at 135, the Union Ministry of Health Affairs informed on Wednesday.
DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai on Thursday. He was 71. Vijayakanths death was confirmed by officials of Miot Hospital
Yesteryear Tamil actor and DMDK founder Vijayakanth has been unwell for quite some time and his wife Premalatha took over the reins of the party days ago.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: The recent spike in active covid-19 cases in India could be due to other variants such as BA.2.86 and not just JN.1 variant, experts have said. "Based on whatever information we have, it appears that JN.1 can infect many at a time, more than other mutants. In India, the virus is present and with time it might pre-dominate. But having said that, other strains also tend to exist and can continue causing the infection," said Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, epidemiologist, former ICMR scientist and member of the governments covid-19 task force.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has reportedly shut the Covid-19 withdrawal facility that allowed its subscribers to take out a part of their retirement savings as Covid advances, the Economic Times reported. While there is no official notification in this regard yet. Mint could not independently verify this development.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Several life-saving drugs supplied to various government hospitals in Delhi have reportedly failed to pass quality tests. The list of medicines that have failed to match the mandatory quality standards includes steroids, anti-epilepsy medications, antibiotics, anti-hypertensive drugs, and even antacids.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Wearing masks, not sending children with symptoms to schools, adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour like social distancing, seven days home isolation and leave for infected patients, are among the measures that have been decided by the Karnataka government's cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus, amid a spike in cases and detection of JN.1 infections in the state.
It has also decided to administer "precautionary vaccine" for the aged and those with comorbidities and to get 30,000 doses of Corbevax vaccine from the Centre for this purpose.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday appealed to the disgruntled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal to make the documents public related to the alleged 40,000 crore scam in Covid-19 management during the previous BJP government in the state.
The minister said Yatnal should at least hand over the details to the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission of Inquiry to probe into the coronavirus related irregularities.
Kharge, who is the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, suspected the involvement of the Central government in the Covid scam.
"Yatnal has said that if he is expelled from the BJP then he will release all the documents (related to Covid mismanagement). I appeal to him through the media to please make the documents public, keeping in mind the people of Karnataka and to safeguard their interest. Or at least share them with Justice John Michael Cunha Committee Commission of Inquiry," Kharge, who holds IT/BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj portfolios, told reporters.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) Leader Vijayakanth tested positive for COVID. The party informed that Vijayakanth has been put on a ventilator due to breathing issue.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: A fifty-eight-year-old daily wager died of Covid-19 on Wednesday in a government hospital for chest diseases here.
Director of Health G Sriramulu told PTI that the worker had co-morbidities, including a cardiac problem. He was first admitted to the Government General Hospital here. As he was diagnosed with Covid pneumonia, he was later shifted to the hospital for chest diseases, where he died today.
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: After the national capital reported its first case of JN.1 variant infection, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that there is no need to panic and that it only causes mild sickness.
"JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is a mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness," Bharadwaj said while speaking to ANI.
Earlier today, Delhi reported the first case of JN.1 variant infection.
"Delhi has reported the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 and the other two are Omicron," Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI.
With new Covid sub-variant JN.1 fueling a sudden infection surge, former AIIMS director and senior pulmonologist, Dr Randeep Guleria noted though the new variant is spreading rapidly, it is not causing severe infections and hospitalisation. On the vaccine situation, he said that since the virus is changing, we need a new jab that covers a broader type of the virus. Read more here
Covid-19 JN.1 news LIVE: Two more Covid cases were detected in Gurugram on Wednesday, taking the total number of active cases to 10 while the authorities directed all hospitals to be on alert.
The directions come amid a scare over the new Covid sub-variant JN.1 which spreads rapidly but poses low risk. However, it has not been determined if the new cases in Gurugram belong to this sub-variant.
District Collector Nishant Kumar Yadav has asked all hospitals in Gurugram to expeditiously establish separate isolation wards exclusively for patients exhibiting Covid symptoms.
These wards should be equipped with necessary medical infrastructure, including isolation beds and oxygen facilities, to provide optimal care, according to the orders.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) of Delhi has issued guidelines for Covid-19 suspected or positive cases that will be reported at hospitals following the sudden surge in the cases of Coronavirus in the country.
- As per the policy on COVID-19 testing, directed by the management, testing will be done for patients with SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) like symptoms that include according to the WHO, acute respiratory infection, persistent fever or fever of >= 38 C with cough and onset within last 10 days.
-It further asked all the departments at the institution to make provisions in their respective designated wards to manage in-patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
-"12 beds in the C6 ward will be earmarked for hospitalization of seriously ill COVID-19 patients," the memorandum said.
-It also said that a screening OPD in the Emergency Department will screen patients for COVID-like symptoms and triage them same based on the medical requirements.
-"Rooms no 1 to 12 in the new private ward are to be earmarked for hospitalization of COVID-19 positive EHS beneficiaries," it added.
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, Lady Hardinge Hospital here has reserved 48 beds for the patients.
Apart from this, six ICU beds and a ward with 30 beds have also been reserved for Covid patients in the new building of Lady Hardinge Hospital.
Additionally, 12 beds have been reserved for paediatric patients in Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, which comes under Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Recently, the Director of the hospital also held a meeting with all the stakeholders and information was taken regarding all the arrangements related to COVID-19.
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A report by the New Brunswick, Canada, auditor general's office found that the provincial Department of Public Health could not provide documentation to support any of a sample of 33 policy recommendations it made during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The department was unable to provide requested documentation, acknowledging that they 'did not create a compendium or a repository of all of the scientific articles, papers, publications and analyses it consulted during the pandemic and therefore we cannot provide a fulsome and detailed list of all of the evidence consulted and used when recommendations were being formulated,'" according to the report. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the report did not say what those 33 decisions were or what percentage of total decisions they represented.
If youre feeling sick or just got over an illness, youre not alone. And if you have yet to come down with something this season take care.
The severity level of influenza, more commonly known as the flu, was upgraded to high this week by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which reports disease indicators weekly on its website.
In addition to the flu, COVID-19 cases have been on a steady increase in the state, rising from just over 5,600 cases in the week ending on Dec. 16 to more than 6,000 cases in the week ending on Dec. 23 the most recent data available. That number has been steadily rising since the end of October, according to state data.
Wastewater surveillance, which was determined to be a good indicator of the level of COVID-19 infection in an area, also increased last week, rising to a statewide average concentration of more than 2 million copies of the virus for the first time in the second half of the year.
The most recent data covers a time before the Christmas holiday, when many families had indoor gatherings.
The data comes amid a lag in vaccination this season. Whereas more than 41% of people had received a flu shot by this point last year, less than 37% have gotten a flu shot this year, state data said.
For COVID-19, the number of people with a new vaccination is about 18%.
Hospitals have been responding to the increase in infectious disease by reinstating mask mandates. Signs on the walls of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield say masks are required at all times. This is a change from the guidelines in the fall when visitors were required to wear a mask in patients rooms and patient care areas. Masks were optional in common spaces such as cafeterias and corridors.
Masking policies at other Massachusetts hospitals are being updated, as well.
Influenza-like illnesses are at a high level across the state and are at a very high level in north shore, south shore, and Cape and Island communities, according to state data.
Acute respiratory diseases were the cause of 16.7% of emergency department visits in the state during the week of Dec. 17-23, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV. That number decreased slightly from the previous week, where it was 17.3%.
While the overall number went down, the number of emergency department visits for influenza went up, from 2% to 2.7% of all visits.
[AP]
The week before Christmas saw a sharp increase in cases of Covid-19, flu or flu-like symptoms and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections, the National Organization for Public Health (EODY) has said.
Between December 18 and 24, there was an increased spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus in the community, with hospital admissions increasing by 37%, a rise that was higher than the number of admissions in the same week of 2022.
There were also 62 deaths (with a median age of 83) from Covid-19 and 54 people were intubated in hospital.
There was an increase in flu infections, with three serious cases recorded, and RSV.
Due to the increased presence of coronavirus, EODY recommends that the public take extra precautions. It says all people over 60 and everyone with underlying health issues should be vaccinated with the latest, updated vaccines; face masks should be used in all hospitals, clinics, health centers, as well as any indoor spaces hosting-accommodating elderly people; and that everyone should be more careful with personal hygiene measures, including regularly washing ones hands and airing indoor spaces. [AMNA]
Six to 12 months after COVID-19 infection, very few children developed post-COVID-19 conditions (PCCs) as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a prospective Canadian study found.
At 6 months after being tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), just 0.52% of children who tested positive had symptoms and changes in quality of life consistent with PCCs, as compared with 0.10% of those testing negative (P=0.02). At 12 months, these rates rose to 0.67% and 0.16%, respectively (P=0.02).
Overall, quality of life did not differ between the two groups, Stephen Freedman, MDCM, MSc, from Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute in Calgary, and colleagues reported in JAMA Network Open.
"Our team was surprised by the near identical findings regarding the frequency of the PCCs between study groups," Freedman told MedPage Today. "Although [PCCs] were slightly more common among children who were infected by SARS-CoV-2, the fact that quality of life did not differ speaks to the overall minimal impact that SARS-CoV-2 infection plays in leading to chronic symptoms in children."
"There's been a lot of speculation on how many kids have symptoms after COVID," Elizabeth Schlaudecker, MD, MPH, medical director of the division of infectious diseases at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, told MedPage Today. "I have to say that this [study] goes along with my clinical experience. In general, we do see a lot of kids who have symptoms after any virus, for example, influenza or the Epstein-Barr virus." She cautioned that clinicians shouldn't automatically think that chronic conditions arising after SARS-CoV-2 infection are long COVID.
The most commonly reported symptom at 12 months in children who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were recurrent respiratory infections and congestion (88%). Systemic (38%) and neurologic (13%) symptoms were also observed.
Previous studies of PCCs in children have produced inconsistent results, the authors pointed out. For example, one study found an absolute increased risk of 1.6% for PCC at 90 days for children with SARS-CoV-2 seeking ED care when compared with matched SARS-CoV-2-negative controls, but a systematic review concluded that the risk for pediatric PCC could be as high as 25%.
One of the reasons could be that many studies have used broad, nonspecific definitions for PCC, the authors conjectured. In the current study, researchers used a strict definition of PCCs based on WHO criteria that included all of the following:
"In this particular article ... they're using this new World Health Organization definition, that is defining a pretty severe detriment and function, so I am not surprised that they found a low number in both groups of children," Schlaudecker commented.
Freedman said that "at a population level, we probably do not need to worry about chronic symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children."
"Our study highlights the need to focus more on strategies to prevent infection due to the acute impacts that infection can have on children and at-risk individuals that they come in contact with, such as the elderly or immunocompromised," he added.
The study included 1,152 children with SARS-CoV-2 positive tests and 3,995 with negative tests and 6-month follow-up data, and 1,192 with positive tests and 4,371 with negative tests and 12-month follow-up data.
Median age of children in the study was 2 years, and 53% were male. Approximately 6% had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Among those testing positive, Omicron infections were most common (35%) during the study period (August 2020 to February 2022), followed by the wild-type strain (27%), Delta (22%), Alpha (16%), and a few cases of the Gamma variant.
Researchers pointed out study limitations, including that 30% of eligible study participants were lost to follow-up and that those who completed the study were more likely to be infected with the Omicron variant, which is less likely to be associated with PCCs. The study also relied on caregiver reporting of PCC symptomatology, which may not always be reliable.
Katherine Kahn is a staff writer at MedPage Today, covering the infectious diseases beat. She has been a medical writer for over 15 years.
Disclosures
The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Immunization Partnership Fund and their Emerging Issues Fund.
Freedman reported no ties to industry. A co-author disclosed support from Meridian Bioscience.
Schlaudecker reports no financial relationships relevant to the study.
Primary Source
JAMA Network Open
Source Reference: Dun-Dery F, et al "Post-COVID-19 condition in children 6 and 12 months after infection" JAMA Netw Open 2023; DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49613.
BALTIMORE, Maryland (WBAL) -- The Department of Justice seized more than $1 million from a COVID-19 test company, alleging the company defrauded Medicare of at least $43 million, including some victims from Maryland, court documents obtained by 11 News Investigates show.
In May, the first two Maryland residents reached out to 11 News Investigates, saying their Medicare account numbers were charged for unwanted COVID-19 tests. More than 280 residents have contacted 11 News Investigates as of this week, saying the same thing happened to them.
The DOJ and FBI are now getting involved, pursuing one of the companies that charged Maryland residents without their permission.
Marilyn Manger and her husband said they requested the first shipment of COVID-19 tests, but as the months passed, the shipments of tests kept coming.
"Then, I saw your piece on WBAL news about the test fraud, and that made me suspicious as to maybe this is what had happened," Manger said.
Her invoice confirmed it. Her Medicare account number was charged for COVID-19 tests she never requested. When she reported the issue in early August, Medicare allowed her to change her account number. One of the companies that had charged her was SK Diagnostics Inc.
"I know the WBAL investigative team, and I know that you guys keep digging, but you just still don't think anything's going to happen," Manger said.
Earlier this month, a complaint filed in Illinois court revealed the DOJ and FBI seized a bank account belonging to SK Diagnostics containing more than $1.5 million. The complaint details much more, including allegations that the company committed health care fraud amounting to at least $43 million and submitted 471 claims to Medicare for people who died.
Manger was one of the 25,000 people who reported SK Diagnostics to Medicare in early August. She said it was tempting to sit back and do nothing.
"But I didn't, and I was just excited that I was that citizen that said, 'Oh, no, we're not going to do that," Manger said.
According to the federal complaint, law enforcement interviewed SK Diagnostics' president on June 27, and then later that day, the man bought a ticket to India and left the same day.
"It doesn't necessarily surprise me. I think that that's how these scams work. 'We'll stay as long as we can. Somebody gets close, we bail out," Manger said. "Because it's easy money, and it's all about let's make money without having to do the work and do it on the backs of those of us who worked our whole lives."
"I saw your piece on WBAL news about the test fraud, and that made me suspicious."
On Tuesday, 11 News Investigates reported about a different Illinois company that federal authorities charged on accusations the company defrauded Medicare for $31 million. Now, federal officials are trying to recoup at least $43 million with $1.5 million already seized.
In the long run, Manger told 11 News Investigates that these examples of large-scale fraud will impact Social Security and Medicare coverage for future generations.
"We all lose somewhere along the line, probably not in my lifetime, but maybe my grandchildren's lifetime," Manger said.
Roughly two weeks after Manger reported SK Diagnostics for fraud, Medicare revoked the company's ability to participate in the COVID-19 test program and suspended the company for three years.
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India has reported a total of 145 cases of Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 till December 28, official sources said on Friday.
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"A total of 145 cases of JN.1 variant have been reported till December 28. These samples were collected between November 21 and December 18, 2023," official sources told ANI.
The highest number of JN.1 variant cases have been reported from Kerala. The state reported 41 cases of the JN.1 subvariant, the majority of which were home isolated, official sources said.
Ahead of the New Year, both the central and state governments are keeping a close watch on the new Omicron Subvariant JN.1.
As per the latest updates, India reported 797 new Covid-19 cases and the active cases tally stand at 4,000 in the last 24 hours.
JN.1 is a Variant of Interest (VOI) which is under intense scientific scrutiny. As of December 16, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 7,344 cases of Covid-19 JN.1 subvariant from 41 countries.
Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) of Delhi on Wednesday issued guidelines for Covid-19 suspected or positive cases that will be reported at hospitals following the sudden surge in the cases of Coronavirus in the country.
The AIIMS Delhi director held a meeting with all heads of departments of the hospital on COVID-19 contingency measures on Wednesday. In the meeting, policy on COVID-19 testing, the areas to be designated for positive patients and their hospitalisation was discussed.
As per the policy on COVID-19 testing, directed by the management, testing will be done for patients with SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) like symptoms that include according to the WHO, acute respiratory infection, persistent fever or fever of >= 38 C with cough and onset within last 10 days.
