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.
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
The state has confirmed two COVID-related deaths since January 2025:
A 14-year-old girl with a pre-existing kidney disorder
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.
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, 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.
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.
While Maharashtra and Kerala report the most cases, several other states have also confirmed new infections:
| State | Active Cases |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 34 |
| Karnataka | 8 |
| Gujarat | 6 |
| Delhi | 3 |
| Haryana | Few |
| Rajasthan | Few |
| Sikkim | Few |
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.
Outside India, several countries in Asia are also experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases driven by the JN.1 and LF.7 variants.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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