Rise in Covid-19 Cases in Gujarat: 2-Day-Old Girl Among New Infections

Gujarat is witnessing a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, with 68 new infections reported across the state on Friday. This has pushed the number of active cases to 265, sparking concerns about the spread of new subvariants of the virus. According to health department data, 11 patients are currently hospitalised while 254 are under home isolation. A total of 26 patients have recovered and been discharged.

Among the new cases, a two-day-old baby girl tested positive at Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, drawing attention to the vulnerability of newborns amid the ongoing wave. Hospital officials stated that the infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to being underweight and testing positive for Covid-19.

Medical authorities suspect that the baby contracted the virus during birth. Her mother had tested positive for Covid-19 last week but has since recovered and tested negative. The hospital is closely monitoring the baby’s condition due to her low birth weight and young age.

In a similar case, an eight-month-old child was found to be Covid-positive at Asarwa Civil Hospital, also in Ahmedabad. The infant, who reportedly has multiple pre-existing health issues, is currently on oxygen support. Medical staff are taking additional precautions to manage the case and prevent further complications.

The recent uptick in cases in Gujarat is being attributed to the spread of new subvariants of the Omicron strain — specifically, LF.7.9 and the recombinant variant XFG. Health experts say that while most infections associated with these variants are relatively mild, symptoms such as low-grade fever and cold are common.

Officials are keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and have urged citizens to maintain basic precautions such as hand hygiene, masking in crowded places, and avoiding unnecessary exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and infants.

With new cases emerging daily, including among infants and those with comorbidities, the state health department is reviewing protocols for testing, treatment, and isolation. Authorities have also indicated the possibility of increasing surveillance and sample sequencing to track the spread and mutation patterns of the virus more effectively.

AM.