India Witnesses Rise in COVID-19 Cases Amid Emergence of New Omicron Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7

KKN Gurugram Desk | India is experiencing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, with the detection of new Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. As of May 26, 2025, the country has recorded over 1,000 active cases, prompting health authorities to emphasize caution while assuring the public that the situation remains under control.

Current COVID-19 Situation in India

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 1,009 active COVID-19 cases as of May 26, 2025. The distribution of active cases across states is as follows:

• Kerala: 430 active cases

• Maharashtra: 209 active cases

• Delhi: 104 active cases

The recent increase in cases is attributed to the emergence of new Omicron subvariants, particularly NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which have been detected in various parts of the country .

Emergence of New Omicron Subvariants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified two new subvariants of the Omicron lineage: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These subvariants are currently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating that they are being closely observed for potential changes in transmissibility or severity .

• NB.1.8.1: Detected in Tamil Nadu, this subvariant has shown mutations that may enhance its ability to evade immune responses.

• LF.7: Identified in Gujarat, LF.7 is also being monitored for its potential impact on public health.

Despite these developments, health authorities maintain that there is no immediate cause for concern, as current evidence does not suggest increased severity associated with these subvariants .

Symptoms Associated with New Subvariants

Patients infected with the new subvariants have reported symptoms similar to those of common viral infections. These include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Runny nose

• Headache

Notably, these symptoms are generally mild, and there has been no significant increase in hospitalizations or severe cases linked to these subvariants .

Government Response and Public Health Measures

In response to the rise in cases, health authorities have implemented several measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus:

• Enhanced Surveillance: Increased testing and genome sequencing to detect and track new variants.

• Healthcare Preparedness: Hospitals have been advised to ensure the availability of necessary medical supplies, including oxygen and medications.

• Public Advisories: The public is urged to continue practicing preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded places .

Expert Opinions

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), stated that while there is an uptick in cases, the severity remains low, and there is no need for alarm. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines .

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh also reassured the public, noting that the current cases in the capital are mild and resemble common viral infections. He advised against panic and highlighted the government’s preparedness to handle the situation .

The emergence of new Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF … has led to a moderate increase in COVID-19 cases in India. However, health authorities and experts emphasize that the situation is under control, with most cases exhibiting mild symptoms. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive measures, and stay informed through official channels.