COVID-19 Surge In India: Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat And Karnataka See Uptick In Cases, Death Toll Rises To 7

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India has crossed the threshold of 1,000 active COVID-19 cases, reporting 752 new infections in the week between May 19 and May 26, 2025. This uptick has prompted health authorities to reassess preparedness and response strategies.

As of May 26, the total active COVID-19 caseload in India stands at 1,009. Kerala leads with 430 active cases, an increase of 335 over the past week. Maharashtra follows with 209 active cases, 153 of which were reported in the same period. Delhi has also seen a rise, with 99 new cases, bringing its total to 104. Other states like Gujarat and Karnataka have reported 87 and 47 active cases, respectively.

How Severe Are New COVID-19 subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7

The recently identified cases are new COVID-19 subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These subvariants, which are part of the JN.1 variant Omicron lineage, have raised concerns among health experts due to their potential increased transmissibility and ability to evade immune defences.

The World Health Organization is monitoring these subvariants as 'Variants Under Monitoring,' indicating they possess mutations that could potentially alter the virus's behaviour. Notably, NB.1.8.1 harbours spike protein mutations that may enhance its infectiousness and ability to evade the immune system.

COVID Deaths In Maharashtra, Kerala And Karnataka

During this period, India reported seven COVID-19-related deaths: four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. In response, several states and union territories have issued advisories to both government and private hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen supply, and essential medications. Hospitals have been instructed to report daily cases of Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) to the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). Despite these traits, the severity of the cases reported so far has been mild, with low hospitalization rates.

The Union Health Ministry has conducted multiple review meetings to assess the situation. These meetings, led by the Union Health Secretary and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), concluded that most cases are mild and manageable at home. The ministry continues to monitor the situation vigilantly through its various agencies.

The rise in cases in India coincides with similar trends in other Asian countries. Hong Kong reported an increase in positive respiratory samples from 6.21% in early April to 13.66% by May 10. Singapore saw a 28% rise in estimated COVID-19 cases in the first week of May, reaching 14,200 infections.

Inconsistent COVID-19 Booster Doses

As of now, India has administered over 2.2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines. However, the uptake of booster doses has been inconsistent, particularly among vulnerable populations. This inconsistency, coupled with vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation and logistical challenges, poses a significant barrier to combating the pandemic effectively.

Despite the increase in cases, health experts advise that there is no immediate cause for panic. They recommend continued adherence to preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. The situation remains under close observation, with authorities prepared to implement additional measures if necessary.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.