Covid-19 Returns: India Sees Uptick in Cases Driven by New Variants

Web desk

Published on May 24, 2025, 06:37 PM | 4 min read

India is witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, driven by newly emerging variants and persistent strains of the virus.As of May 19, 2025, the Health Ministry reports 257 active cases across the country, with the states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka accounting for the majority of infections. The resurgence has prompted authorities to strengthen surveillance, testing, and hospital preparedness to mitigate any potential impact.

The recent surge is largely attributed to the dominance of the JN.1 variant, responsible for 53% of positive cases according to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data, alongside the detection of new sub variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. Both these latter variants are classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as Variants Under Monitoring, not yet deemed Variants of Concern or Interest. Despite this classification, NB.1.8.1 has been implicated in rising case numbers in parts of Asia, including China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and has recently been identified in India.

Kerala is currently the hardest hit state, recording 273 cases in May alone, with the highest numbers reported in Kottayam (82), Thiruvananthapuram (73), and Ernakulam (49).

Kerala Health Minister Veena George stressed the importance of vigilance, saying, “We urge all districts to enhance Covid-19 surveillance and monitoring. Early detection and strict adherence to mask protocols, especially for symptomatic individuals and vulnerable groups, are critical to controlling the spread.”

Maharashtra has recorded 106 Covid-19 cases so far this year, with Mumbai accounting for 95 of these. Although hospital admissions remain low, authorities have mandated testing for all patients exhibiting Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) symptoms to better track the spread. In Thane, 10 recent cases have been reported, all with mild symptoms and home isolation.

A senior official from the Thane civic body said, “We have ramped up preparedness with sufficient medical stock and urged citizens not to panic but to follow safety measures.”

However, a Covid-19 patient has died, according to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), as reported by The Tribune. The deceased, a 21-year-old man with severe diabetes, passed away in the morning at the TMC-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa. The TMC stated that the death was due to "comorbidities."

Delhi has reported 23 Covid-19 cases since May 22, marking a significant increase after nearly three years of very low case numbers. Positive samples are being sent for genome sequencing to monitor variants closely.

Delhi’s Health Minister Pankaj Singh said, “Cases so far are mild and manageable, with no hospitalisations or ICU admissions. We have instructed all hospitals to ensure adequate beds, oxygen, medicines, and trained staff to handle any increase.”

Karnataka’s Covid-19 cases have climbed to 35, with the majority concentrated in Bengaluru. Among these is a nine-month-old infant who tested positive via Rapid Antigen Test and remains in stable condition. Health officials note a gradual rise in cases over the past 20 days and stress the importance of mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and testing for respiratory symptoms.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appealed to the central government, urging, “Strict screening and precautionary measures for international travelers are vital to curb the spread amid rising global cases.”

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also witnessing an increase in Covid-19 infections. Some hospitals in Chennai have postponed critical surgeries to minimize infection risk amid rising case numbers.

The NB.1.8.1 variant has drawn global concern due to its rapid spread across Asia and detection in the United States. It is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and has shown higher transmissibility, likely due to improved binding affinity to human cells.

Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 mirror those of previous Omicron variants, including sore throat, mild cough, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Some cases also report headaches, nausea, and digestive issues. Importantly, there is no current evidence suggesting that this variant causes more severe illness.

Health authorities continue to urge the public to maintain preventive practices, including wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, practising hand hygiene, and getting tested if symptoms develop.

Gautam Budh Nagar’s Chief Medical Officer Narendra Kumar emphasized, “The administration is fully prepared to handle the situation. We urge people not to panic but to follow all safety protocols diligently.”

Hospitals across affected states remain on high alert, ensuring the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and trained healthcare personnel.

Experts emphasise that while the recent surge is manageable and predominantly involves mild symptoms with quick recoveries, vigilance remains essential. Ongoing genome sequencing, surveillance, and adherence to public health guidelines will be key to preventing a broader outbreak and managing the evolving pandemic situation in India.