Covid-19 surge in India: Active caseload crosses 1,000, Kerala leads spike

Two emerging sub-variants - NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 - have been detected in India.

India is witnessing a slow but noticeable uptick in COVID-19 cases once again, with the total active caseload rising to 1,010 as of May 27, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. While experts have advised caution, they stress there is no immediate cause for panic.

The surge is primarily concentrated in Kerala, which reported 335 fresh cases, pushing its active case count to 430. Maharashtra (153 new cases) and Delhi (99) also saw marked increases. Other states showing a spike include Gujarat (83), Karnataka (47), Uttar Pradesh (15), and West Bengal (12).

Despite the increase, most patients are reporting only mild symptoms, and hospitalisation remains low. Seven COVID-related deaths have been reported in the past week, compared to just one in the preceding month.

The rise in infections coincides with a global trend, particularly across Southeast Asia. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and China have reported higher caseloads recently, raising concerns about regional transmission patterns.

Two emerging sub-variants - NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 - have been detected in India. These are being monitored by the World Health Organization but have not yet been flagged as variants of concern. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one NB.1.8.1 case was reported in Tamil Nadu and four LF.7 cases were identified in Gujarat.

JN.1, another Omicron sub-lineage linked to the BA.2.86 (Pirola) variant, is also circulating. It is believed to have enhanced transmissibility due to mutations in the spike protein but has not shown severe clinical outcomes so far.

The Union Health Ministry has reviewed the current situation and continues to monitor developments closely.