COVID-19 Resurgence in India: New Variant JN.1 Spreads, 257 Active Cases Nationwide; Maharashtra and Kerala on Alert

KKN Gurugram Desk | Amid rising concerns across parts of Asia, COVID-19 cases are once again climbing in India, prompting fresh alerts in several states. As of May 19, 2025, the country has reported 257 active COVID-19 cases, largely driven by the JN.1 variant and its sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are witnessing localized spikes, sparking a renewed push for testing, surveillance, and public health precautions.

Health authorities are urging citizens to stay cautious, as Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong report a resurgence in infections and fatalities related to the new variants.

COVID-19 in Maharashtra: 52 Active Cases, 2 Deaths in Mumbai

Testing and Spread

According to the Maharashtra Health Department, 6,066 swab samples have been tested between January and May 2025, out of which 106 samples tested positive for COVID-19. Alarmingly, 101 of these cases were detected in Mumbai alone. Other affected districts include Pune, Thane, and Kolhapur.

As of the latest update:

• 52 patients are currently under treatment

• 16 patients are hospitalized

• 36 patients are in home isolation with mild symptoms

Reported Fatalities

The state has confirmed two COVID-related deaths since January 2025:

1. A 14-year-old girl with a pre-existing kidney disorder

2. A 59-year-old cancer patient

Both deaths occurred at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, and health officials have clarified that these patients were already battling serious comorbidities.

BMC Response

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has acknowledged a slight increase in cases during May, although they maintain that the situation is under control. The BMC has:

• Advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places

• Urged citizens to follow basic hygiene practices

• Confirmed that there is no immediate threat of widespread outbreak

Kerala: Highest Active COVID-19 Count in India with 69 Cases

State Health Alert

Kerala, which has historically been at the forefront of India’s COVID response, now leads the country in active cases. According to the Union Health Ministry, the state currently has 69 active COVID-19 infections.

The spike is largely attributed to the JN.1 variant, which was first detected in Kerala in December 2024 in a 79-year-old woman. Since then, the virus has continued to circulate, albeit at low levels, until this recent increase.

Preventive Measures

Kerala’s health department has:

• Scaled up testing and contact tracing

• Urged citizens to wear masks in crowded spaces

• Recommended booster doses for high-risk groups

• Reinforced surveillance at airports and entry points

Officials remain vigilant, particularly in Trissur, where India’s first confirmed COVID case was detected on January 30, 2020.

COVID-19 in Other Indian States: Moderate Spread, Low Fatalities

While Maharashtra and Kerala report the most cases, several other states have also confirmed new infections:

Though the case numbers remain relatively low, the health departments in these states are preparing for a possible rise in infections over the next few weeks.

Global COVID-19 Situation: Surge in Singapore and Hong Kong

Outside India, several countries in Asia are also experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases driven by the JN.1 and LF.7 variants.

Singapore

• 14,200 new cases were reported in the first week of May

• Hospitals are witnessing a sharp increase in admissions

• The government has reinstated mask advisories and testing protocols

Hong Kong

• The city has reported 31 COVID-19 deaths in a single week

• Health authorities are struggling with hospital capacities

• Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are being prioritized for booster doses

This regional trend has raised alarms in India’s health circles, especially as travel and trade links with these countries remain strong.

Understanding the JN.1 Variant and Sub-Variants

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases is primarily linked to the JN.1 variant, which has shown:

• Increased transmissibility

• Mild to moderate symptoms in most individuals

• Potential immune escape in certain populations

Its sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8 are also under investigation for their spread patterns and severity of illness. Though the variants are not classified as variants of concern, they are being closely monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health bodies.

Symptoms and Advisory: What Should You Watch Out For?

While the new variants generally produce milder illness, certain symptoms are common:

• Fever

• Cough

• Mild fatigue

• Headache

• Shortness of breath in high-risk individuals

Health officials recommend:

• Wearing masks in crowded places

• Using hand sanitizer regularly

• Getting a booster dose if eligible

• Staying home and getting tested if symptomatic

Is India Prepared for a COVID Comeback?

Although current case numbers remain low, the infrastructure is in place to respond to a larger outbreak if needed. Key readiness steps include:

• Active RT-PCR testing in hotspots

• Availability of ICU beds and ventilators

• Sufficient oxygen reserves

• Deployment of healthcare staff in affected districts

The Union Health Ministry has also directed state governments to increase genome sequencing to detect any early signs of mutation or faster spread.

The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases—especially in states like Kerala and Maharashtra—warrants caution but not panic. While the JN.1 variant is more transmissible, current data suggests that it leads to mild illness in most cases.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and public cooperation remains essential. As always, staying informed, following preventive measures, and avoiding misinformation will be crucial in navigating this new phase of the pandemic.