India Sees COVID Spike After Months of Lull; Over 2,700 Active Cases Reported
After several months of relative calm, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in India. Infections have surged significantly, with a five-fold increase recorded in the past week alone. As of May 25, active cases have crossed the 2,700-mark, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Kerala remains the worst-affected state, reporting 1,147 active cases. Maharashtra follows with 424 cases, while Delhi has recorded 294 and Gujarat 223. Other states witnessing a rise in infections include Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, each with 148 cases, and West Bengal with 116. Mizoram, which had not reported any cases in the past seven months, has now registered two new infections.
The recent surge has also led to a rise in fatalities. In the past 24 hours alone, seven deaths have been reported—two in Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. This brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the first five months of 2025 to 22. Notably, this is the first death reported in Delhi during the current wave.
Despite the rise in infections and fatalities, the Health Ministry has urged the public not to panic. Most of the reported cases are mild, with symptoms similar to the common flu, such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, fatigue, and general exhaustion. The ministry also noted that Kerala’s high case numbers could be attributed to the state’s increased testing.
The current spike is believed to be driven by two new Omicron sub-variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8.1. While these variants may possess immune-evasive properties, experts have emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting they lead to severe disease. JN.1 remains the dominant strain in circulation across the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet designated LF.7 or NB.1.8.1 as Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants of Interest (VOI).
In response to the uptick in cases, several state governments have issued advisories to hospitals and healthcare facilities, directing them to ensure the availability of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, testing kits, and vaccines. Vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and those with co-morbid conditions, have been advised to wear masks in crowded areas and follow basic COVID-appropriate behavior.
While the situation is being closely monitored, health authorities continue to stress vigilance without alarm, reinforcing the importance of testing, surveillance, and preventive measures to contain the spread.
IT.
