India Witnesses Surge in COVID-19 Cases: New Variants Under Scrutiny

KKN Gurugram Desk | India is experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, with active infections reaching 5,755 as of June 7, 2025. This resurgence is primarily attributed to the emergence of new Omicron subvariants, including NB.1.8.1, LF.7, XFG, and JN.1. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate further spread.

Current COVID-19 Scenario in India

According to the Union Health Ministry, the country reported 391 new active cases and four fatalities in the past 24 hours. The cumulative number of recovered patients stands at 5,484, while the death toll has risen to 59.

States with Highest Case Counts

Kerala remains the most affected state, reporting 1,806 active cases. Other states with significant case numbers include:

• Gujarat: 717 cases

• West Bengal: 622 cases

• Delhi: 665 cases

• Maharashtra: 577 cases

• Karnataka: 444 cases

• Uttar Pradesh: 208 cases

• Tamil Nadu: 194 cases

These figures underscore the widespread nature of the current surge across various regions.

Emergence of New Variants

The recent uptick in cases is linked to several new Omicron subvariants:

• NB.1.8.1: First identified in Tamil Nadu in April 2025, this variant has shown increased transmissibility but currently causes mild symptoms.

• LF.7: Detected in Gujarat in May 2025, LF.7 is under observation for its potential impact on public health.

• XFG and JN.1: These subvariants have been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea, distinguishing them from earlier strains.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating the need for ongoing surveillance.

Symptoms and Severity

Infections with these new variants generally present with mild symptoms, including:

• Low-grade fever

• Dry cough

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestion

Notably, the JN.1 variant has been linked to increased gastrointestinal issues. Despite the rise in cases, hospitalizations and severe outcomes remain limited, primarily affecting individuals with underlying health conditions.

Government Response and Public Health Measures

In response to the surge, the central government has initiated several measures:

• Hospital Preparedness: Nationwide drills are being conducted to ensure readiness for potential increases in hospital admissions.

• Resource Allocation: States have been advised to maintain adequate supplies of oxygen, ventilators, and essential medications.

• Public Advisories: Citizens are urged to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, including mask-wearing in crowded places and maintaining hand hygiene.

Expert Opinions

Health experts emphasize that while the current variants are more transmissible, they are less likely to cause severe illness. Dr. Shashank Joshi, former head of Maharashtra’s COVID-19 Task Force, stated that the prevailing variant resembles a “great-grandchild” of Omicron, causing mild, self-limiting infections.

The resurgence of COVID-19 cases in India, driven by new Omicron subvariants, highlights the importance of continued vigilance. While the current situation does not warrant panic, adherence to public health guidelines and monitoring of emerging variants remain crucial to controlling the spread of the virus.