New Delhi: India is witnessing a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases, with the nationwide tally now exceeding 1,000 active infections. As of May 27, 2025, the total active cases stand at 1,010. While this surge has led to intensified monitoring, health officials are reassuring the public that there is no cause for panic, as the symptoms remain largely mild and subtle.
New Variants Under Observation
The recent rise in cases coincides with the detection of two new sub-variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are protein mutations of the JN.1 virus. These variants are currently “under observation” by global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), due to their increased transmissibility. However, no significant spike in disease severity has been reported so far, and the symptoms are similar to common flu or mild COVID-19, including sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues.
State-wise Data: Kerala Leads the Surge
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s latest data indicates that Kerala has experienced the most significant surge, reporting 335 new cases and bringing its total active cases to 430. Maharashtra follows with a 153-case increase, pushing its active tally to 209 (as of May 26, reporting 43 new cases on Sunday). Delhi has also seen a notable rise with 99 new positives, crossing the 100-mark for active cases, now at 104. Gujarat is up by 76 cases, reaching a total of 83. Other states, including Karnataka and Haryana, have also registered an uptick in infections. Arunachal Pradesh reported its first case of the current wave today, initiating contact tracing efforts.
Fatalities and Expert Reassurance
A total of seven deaths have been reported since May 19 across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Kerala. However, doctors are emphasizing that these fatalities are primarily linked to pre-existing medical conditions (comorbidities). For instance, an 85-year-old male in Bengaluru, Karnataka, succumbed to multiple organ failure after testing positive, and a 21-year-old man from Thane with diabetes died due to ketoacidosis after testing positive. The other reported victims were senior citizens above 84 years of age.
Dr. Vishal Rao, Advisor to the Karnataka Government on COVID measures, stated that the current strain is not a “variant of concern.” He urged immunocompromised individuals and unvaccinated individuals to remain vigilant, as they are most at risk due to compromised immunity, but he reassured the general public that the situation does not warrant alarm.
Preventive Measures and Preparedness
Health authorities have intensified surveillance and are advising residents to maintain hygiene, practice caution, especially in states showing higher transmission rates, and avoid crowded places. Experts continue to emphasize vaccination, mask usage, and testing (particularly rapid antigen home tests or RT-PCR if symptoms persist beyond 3-4 days) as key tools for containment. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has asserted that hospitals are fully prepared to tackle any potential rise in cases.
Historical Context: India experienced two significant waves of the COVID-19 virus, starting in March 2020. The pandemic lasted for over two years, claiming more than 5,00,000 lives and severely impacting all industries.
State-wise Active Cases (as of May 27, 2025):
