Amid the uptick in Covid-19 cases, India has reported a fresh increase in infections—primarily in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—with a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, detected in at least one sample from Tamil Nadu.
A media report claims that samples were sequenced last month and sent to India’s genome sequencing consortium, INSACOG.
At the time of this article going live, there were 1,010 active Covid-19 cases across the country, according to data from the Health Ministry’s dashboard. The bulk of these were concentrated in Kerala (43%), followed by Maharashtra (21%), Delhi (10%), Gujarat (8%), and Tamil Nadu (7%). Only three states—Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi—had more than 100 cases each.
Since May 19, six Covid-related deaths have been reported: three in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. However, the Health Ministry clarified that more details are awaited before officially attributing these fatalities to Covid-19.
Authorities have classified the current rise as geographically limited, with active case counts in double digits in just nine states. Yet, officials have warned that a clearer picture will only emerge in the coming fortnight, as testing of symptomatic individuals is expected to increase.
India Not Alone
Several countries, including Singapore, have also seen spikes in cases. On May 13, Singapore reported a jump in weekly infections from 11,100 (April 20–26) to 14,200 (April 27–May 3), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The exact cause of the rise in cases isn’t pinned to a single factor. Singaporean authorities, while reporting their surge, noted that “periodic waves of Covid-19—like other endemic respiratory diseases—were expected throughout the year.”
The Overlapping Factors
Waning immunity from past infections or vaccinations, leaving people vulnerable to reinfection
The emergence of new variants, which may spread more easily or bypass immune protection
Seasonal patterns, with respiratory viruses often spreading more efficiently in certain climates
Reduced testing and surveillance, which delays outbreak detection
High-risk individuals, especially those with comorbidities or weakened immunity, who remain particularly vulnerable
No Rush In Hospitals
Despite the uptick in cases, there has been no significant increase in hospitalisations. Large hospital chains have confirmed that Covid-related admissions remain low. Those few who are admitted mostly suffer from pre-existing comorbidities, suggesting that the current subvariants are not triggering severe disease at large.
So far, the subvariants detected in India have primarily been BA.2 and JN.1. Health officials maintain that these variants do not appear to be more transmissible or severe than previous strains.
The WHO currently tracks eight variants under monitoring (VUMs), including one variant of interest (VOI) — JN.1. According to WHO data, JN.1 accounted for 16.3% of sequenced cases during the week ending February 2. Singaporean authorities have reported that two JN.1 descendant lineages — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — now account for over two-thirds of locally sequenced cases.
The Precautions
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as sore throat, running nose, headache, or fever, or are in a crowded place, wear a mask. As per AIIMS/ICMR COVID-19 guidelines (2023), those with mild symptoms should not step out.
At Home
ü Maintain physical distancing
ü Wear a mask
ü Practice hand hygiene
ü Use symptomatic medication, stay hydrated, and monitor oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
ü Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed for a confirmed bacterial infection
Don’t Hesitate To Go To Your Doctor If You Experience…
Ø Breathing difficulty
Ø SpO₂ drops to 93% or lower
Ø Persistent high fever or severe cough lasting more than five days
Those above 60, unvaccinated, or with underlying conditions like heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, tuberculosis, or obesity should be careful.
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