New variant NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 detected
New Delhi: India has witnessed a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, with the national tally crossing 1,000 cases, according to official data. The increase spans multiple states, prompting renewed health advisories from the Union Health Ministry.
Delhi leads the count with 430 reported cases, including 104 active infections, followed by Kerala with 335 and Maharashtra with 209 cases. Other states reporting significant rises include Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), Karnataka (47), Uttar Pradesh (15), and Rajasthan (13).
Since May 19, seven COVID-related fatalities have been recorded—three in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.
While health authorities caution that the situation does not yet pose a major threat, the Ministry has emphasized the importance of continuing COVID-appropriate behavior and hygiene practices. State health departments have been directed to increase testing efforts, particularly among patients with Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
A notable aspect of the recent surge is the detection of a new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, in states including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
INSACOG data reveals India has identified one case of NB.1.8.1, found in Tamil Nadu in April, alongside four cases of another variant, LF.7, detected in Gujarat in May.
As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 as Variants Under Monitoring rather than Variants of Concern or Interest. These variants are believed to be driving recent case increases in China and parts of Asia.
Currently, the dominant variant in India remains JN.1, responsible for 53% of positive cases nationwide.
The Union Health Ministry reassures the public that there is no cause for panic at this stage but continues to advocate vigilance as the situation evolves.
