KKN Gurugram Desk |  A fresh wave of concern has gripped Bihar after a doctor at AIIMS Patna tested positive for COVID-19, along with two other individuals. With three new confirmed cases, the State Health Department has issued an alert across all government hospitals, signaling a need for proactive response and preparation.

The cases have sparked fears of a potential local spread, especially in critical healthcare institutions like AIIMS, where exposure risks are high due to patient influx.

Bihar Government Issues COVID Alert to Civil Surgeons and Health Officials

In response to the detection of new infections, the Bihar government conducted a high-level emergency meeting on Monday. The meeting was led by Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Pratyaya Amrit, and attended by district civil surgeons, medical officers, and healthcare workers via video conferencing.

Key areas of focus during the meeting:

• Real-time monitoring of hospitals

• Status of oxygen supply, ICU beds, and isolation wards

• Medical staff availability and PPE readiness

• COVID-19 testing and tracing protocols

• Ensuring rapid dissemination of health advisories at district levels

 AIIMS Patna on High Alert

AIIMS Patna has activated its internal COVID safety protocol. Following the confirmation of the doctor’s infection:

• Contact tracing is underway

• High-risk staff and patients are being tested

• Enhanced sanitization protocols have been initiated across wards

• Limited entry into affected departments is being enforced

 India Reports New COVID Sub-Variants: LF.7 and NB.1.8.1

The rise in infections in Bihar coincides with new COVID-19 sub-variants being detected in other parts of India:

• LF.7 sub-variant: Reported in Gujarat

• NB.1.8.1 sub-variant: Detected in Tamil Nadu

These variants are categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “Variants Under Monitoring”, not “Variants of Concern” yet. However, their increasing detection suggests a need for surveillance and preventive measures.

 What We Know About These Variants

1. LF.7 Sub-Variant

• Mutation of Omicron lineage

• Shows increased transmissibility

• Detected in multiple countries under genomic surveillance

2. NB.1.8.1 Sub-Variant

• First detected in Southeast Asia

• Mild respiratory symptoms reported

• Being monitored for potential immune evasion

So far, no indication suggests that these variants are causing severe illness or higher hospitalization rates. However, immuno-compromised individuals and elderly populations remain at risk.

 Bihar’s COVID Preparedness Strategy

The Bihar Health Department has laid out a multi-pronged approach to counter any resurgence:

• District-wise surveillance teams reactivated

• COVID helplines and information centers reinforced

• Awareness campaigns to encourage mask usage and hygiene

• Stockpiling of essential medicines, including antiviral drugs

• Review of testing capacity in both urban and rural health centers

 AIIMS Patna: A Critical COVID Watchpoint

As one of Eastern India’s most prominent medical institutions, AIIMS Patna plays a vital role in managing pandemic-related medical care. Authorities are now:

• Conducting mandatory screening for OPD and emergency entries

• Ensuring isolation rooms are on standby

• Monitoring staff health, especially frontline doctors and nurses

 India’s Current COVID-19 Status

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India currently has 1,009 active COVID cases as of May 26, 2025. Recent additions include:

• 752 new cases reported post-May 19

• 305 recoveries and 7 fatalities in the same period

The highest case concentrations are currently in:

• Kerala

• Maharashtra

• Delhi

• Gujarat

Bihar’s numbers remain relatively low but growing vigilance is being emphasized.

 Expert Views: Stay Cautious, Not Complacent

Public health experts are warning against complacency. According to Dr. Arvind Mishra, an epidemiologist based in Patna:

“COVID is not over. It’s evolving. Mutations may not always be deadly, but without surveillance and precautions, even mild strains can cause major disruption.”

He added that vaccination remains effective in preventing severe outcomes, but masking, hand hygiene, and testing must continue as standard practice.

Recommended Public Guidelines

The Health Department has issued public recommendations:

• Wear masks in crowded and enclosed spaces

• If symptomatic, isolate and get tested

• Use sanitizers and wash hands regularly

• Avoid self-medication; consult registered practitioners

• Complete booster doses for those eligible

Special attention is being given to schools, public transportation, and healthcare centers, where virus spread is more probable.

The fresh COVID cases at AIIMS Patna act as a timely reminder that while the pandemic phase may be behind us, the virus is still active. Bihar’s quick response, combined with surveillance of new variants, is critical in containing further spread.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and the public is advised to cooperate with authorities, follow health guidelines, and avoid unnecessary panic.