India Witnesses a Spike in COVID-19 Cases

India Witnesses a Spike in COVID-19 Cases: Emerging Variants Raise Concerns

As of late May 2025, India is seeing a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases once again, prompting concerns among health authorities and the general public. With over 1,000 active cases reported across the country, the emergence of two new subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—has come under scrutiny as potential drivers of this spike. While the cases currently appear mild, experts emphasize the need for caution and preventive measures to keep the situation under control.

Rising COVID-19 Numbers Across Key States

The increase in COVID-19 cases has been particularly evident in Delhi, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Delhi has crossed the 100-case mark, while Kerala reports the highest number at 430 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209 active infections. The surge has triggered renewed monitoring by local and national health agencies.

Understanding the Emerging Variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7

The two variants currently drawing attention—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—are both sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant, which remains dominant in India, accounting for approximately 53% of sequenced samples.

• NB.1.8.1 was first detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025.
• LF.7 was later identified in Gujarat in May.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated both variants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM). This classification implies that while these variants show genetic mutations that may affect transmissibility or severity, they are not yet classified as Variants of Concern (VOC).

Current Impact and Public Health Response

Despite the uptick in cases, most infections are reported to be mild and do not require hospitalization. Patients are recovering with home isolation and supportive care. However, health experts advise the public not to become complacent.

According to Dr. Sharad Joshi of Max Healthcare, individuals should:

• Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces
• Practice respiratory hygiene
• Cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
• Maintain appropriate social distancing
• Wash hands regularly

These basic preventive measures remain critical in curbing the spread of infection, especially as new variants emerge.

A Broader Regional Perspective

India’s increase in COVID-19 cases is part of a broader pattern across Asia. Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have also reported new subvariants and a rise in cases, although hospitalizations remain relatively low. This regional trend further underscores the importance of continued surveillance and timely vaccination campaigns.

In line with global assessments, the World Health Organization has indicated that the public health risk from the new subvariants remains low at the moment, but they continue to monitor the situation closely.

Government’s Stand: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed

The Indian Health Ministry has advised the public to stay informed but not panic. While the government is closely tracking the case numbers and variant trends, there is no current indication of an impending wave or emergency. However, precautionary measures and vigilance are strongly encouraged to avoid complacency.

Conclusion: Staying Prepared is Key

India’s recent rise in COVID-19 cases serves as a timely reminder that the virus is still present and evolving. Though the emerging variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are currently categorized as mild in terms of clinical impact, their increased transmissibility could lead to wider spread if unchecked.

To maintain control over the situation:

• The public must adhere to safety guidelines.
• Authorities must continue rigorous genome sequencing.
• Booster vaccination programs should be encouraged, especially among vulnerable groups.

By combining awareness with proactive health behaviour, India can navigate this latest COVID-19 challenge without significant disruption.