India is witnessing a gradual yet noticeable rise in COVID-19 cases, with active infections climbing to 1,010 as of May 27, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. While health experts have advised the public to remain cautious, they emphasize there is no immediate cause for alarm.
The uptick is largely driven by Kerala, which recorded 335 new cases, raising its active caseload to 430. Other states reporting significant increases include:
- Maharashtra: 153 new cases
- Delhi: 99
- Gujarat: 83
- Karnataka: 47
- Uttar Pradesh: 15
- West Bengal: 12
Despite the rise, the majority of cases are mild, and hospitalisation rates remain low. Over the past week, seven COVID-related deaths have been reported, compared to just one in the previous month.
The domestic surge aligns with a broader global trend, particularly in Southeast Asia, where countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and China have also seen increased caseloads, prompting concerns over potential regional transmission.
Emerging Variants Under Watch
Two new sub-variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—have recently been detected in India. While both are being monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO), neither has been classified as a variant of concern:
- NB.1.8.1: One case identified in Tamil Nadu
- LF.7: Four cases reported in Gujarat
Additionally, the JN.1 sub-lineage, part of the Omicron BA.2.86 (Pirola) family, continues to circulate in the country. Although it carries mutations in the spike protein that could increase transmissibility, clinical outcomes remain mild. Health authorities and the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) are closely monitoring these developments to ensure timely response and containment if needed.
