India is witnessing a fresh surge India’s COVID-19 Status cases, with active infections climbing to ~1,010–1,110 nationally as of May 30, 2025—a fourfold jump from 257 cases reported on May 19, 2025 . Driven by new Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 (Tamil Nadu) and LF.7 (Gujarat), this uptick remains concentrated in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, though 12+ states report infections. Crucially, hospitalizations stay low, and most cases are mild, managed via home care .
📊 National Caseload Snapshot: State-Wise Breakdown
- Kerala: 430 active cases (+335 since May 19). Epicenter of the surge; high community transmission detected .
- Maharashtra: 209–425 active cases (+153 weekly). Reported 3 deaths in May; Mumbai averages 11 daily cases .
- Delhi: 104 active cases (+99 in one week). Govt confirms “no panic needed” as symptoms mimic viral flu .
- Other hotspots: Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), Karnataka (126), Rajasthan (39), Uttar Pradesh (15) .
Table: Top 5 States by Active Cases (May 29, 2025)
| State | Active Cases | Weekly Change | Deaths (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 430 | +335 | 2 |
| Maharashtra | 209–425 | +153 | 3–6* |
| Delhi | 104 | +99 | 0 |
| Gujarat | 83 | +76 | 0 |
| Karnataka | 126 | +34 | 2 |
| *Source: MoHFW, State Bulletins * |
💡 Positivity Alert: Karnataka’s test positivity hit 10.12% (May 28), while Delhi’s cases doubled in 72 hours—signaling accelerated spread .
🧬 The Variant Landscape: NB.1.8.1 & LF.7 Explained
The INSACOG (India’s genomics consortium) confirmed:
- NB.1.8.1: 1 case in Tamil Nadu (April 2025). Descendant of JN.1 with T478I/F59S spike mutations—enhances cell binding but not severity .
- LF.7: 4 cases in Gujarat (May 2025). Classified by WHO as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM), not a Variant of Concern .
Why are cases rising?
These variants evade immunity faster but cause milder illness. WHO data shows NB.1.8.1 now comprises 10.7% of global sequences, doubling every 3 weeks .
🤒 Symptom Shift: Low-Grade Fever & GI Issues Dominate
Per clinical reports:
- Persistent low-grade fever (37.6°C–38.1°C) without chills .
- Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, appetite loss, diarrhea—now more frequent than respiratory issues .
- Other symptoms: Hoarse voice, fatigue, sore throat (typical of Omicron lineages) .
🚨 High-risk groups (diabetics, elderly, immunocompromised) face amplified severity risks. Karnataka’s recent deaths involved comorbidities like hypertension .
⚕️ Public Health Response: Surveillance Over Lockdowns
- Enhanced Testing: Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi scaled up RT-PCR/RAT kits. Karnataka’s low testing (395/day) skews positivity rates .
- Hospital Preparedness: Delhi secured oxygen, beds; Mumbai’s VVCMC reserved 25 isolation beds .
- Vaccine Status: National stocks are low. A Health Ministry committee is evaluating booster needs .
- Advisories: Karnataka mandated masks for pregnant women, children in crowds; UP rehired 2,800 COVID workers .
🔮 Expert Insights: Endemicity, Not Emergency
- Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (ex-WHO): “India is in endemicity—we must coexist with COVID like seasonal flu” .
- BMC Epidemiologist: “NB.1.8.1’s R0 (transmission rate) is higher, but vaccines still prevent severe outcomes” .
- WHO TAG-CO-VAC: Approved JN.1/KP.2-targeted vaccines as effective against current strains .
🛡️ Public Guidance: Stay Vigilant, Not Alarmed
- Mask Up: In crowded/closed spaces (airports, hospitals) .
- Test Early: For low-grade fever + GI symptoms—use home kits or clinics .
- High-Risk Groups: Seek boosters if available; monitor oxygen saturation if infected .
- Avoid Panic: No lockdowns planned. Delhi CM: “This is seasonal flu-like illness” .
🌐 Track Live: Moneycontrol’s real-time COVID-19 Tracker offers state-wise data, variant updates, and expert insights .
The Bottom Line
India’s COVID-19 surge reflects global trends (Singapore, China) but remains controlled and mild. With robust surveillance via IDSP-ICMR networks and 98.81% recovery rate, panic is unwarranted . As Health Minister Mandaviya emphasized: “We’re prepared. Prioritize protection for the vulnerable” .
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Sources: MoHFW, WHO, ICMR, INSACOG, State Health Departments. Data updated as of May 30, 2025.
Q1: Which states have the highest COVID cases now?
A: Kerala (430+), Maharashtra (209-425), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), Karnataka (126). Together they account for ~80% of active cases.
Q2: What are the new COVID symptoms in 2025?
A: Low-grade fever (without chills) + gastrointestinal issues (nausea, appetite loss, diarrhea) dominate. Sore throat and fatigue persist.
Q3: Are NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants dangerous?
A: No – classified as “Variants Under Monitoring” (VUMs). Higher transmission but low severity. Vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes.