India is experiencing a modest uptick in COVID-19 cases, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 1,011 active cases as of May 26, 2025, a notable increase from 257 cases on May 19.
This rise, primarily driven by the new Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, has prompted heightened surveillance and public health advisories, though experts emphasize that the situation remains under control with no cause for widespread alarm.
States across the nation report cases
Kerala leads the tally with 430 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209, and Delhi with 104, according to official data. Other states, including Karnataka (47 cases), Gujarat (83 cases), Uttar Pradesh (15 cases), and West Bengal (12 cases), have also reported new infections.
Over the past week, 752 new cases and seven deaths were recorded nationwide, with fatalities largely attributed to underlying health conditions rather than the virus itself. For instance, in Maharashtra, a 67-year-old man from Dombivli succumbed to the virus on May 25 but had pre-existing hypertension and diabetes, highlighting the vulnerability of high-risk groups.
What is the new variant and what are the symptoms?
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) identified NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu in April and four cases of LF.7 in Gujarat in May. Both variants, classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) by the World Health Organization (WHO), are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 strain and exhibit increased transmissibility but no significant rise in severity.
Common symptoms include mild sore throat, fatigue, fever, and nasal congestion, with most cases managed at home without hospitalization. The WHO has assessed NB.1.8.1 as posing a low global health risk, and experts advise rapidantigen or RT-PCR testing for persistent symptoms beyond three to four days.
Authorities reassure the public
Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reassured the public, stating, ‘The severity of cases is generally low, and there’s no need for concern. However, we must remain vigilant and prepared.’
Health authorities have intensified genomic sequencing and respiratory illness surveillance through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to monitor variant spread. States like Karnataka and Delhi have issued advisories, urging mask-wearing in crowded areas and hygiene practices, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised.
India’s robust vaccination campaign, which began in January 2021 with Covishield and Covaxin, has administered over 1.7 billion doses, fully vaccinating more than 720 million people by January 2022. Booster doses are strongly recommended for vulnerable populations, and vaccines remain available for children aged 12 and above. The government has also ensured hospital preparedness, with a nationwide drill conducted in April to assess readiness.