India is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with active infections reaching 3,395, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In the past 24 hours, four deaths were reported, causing concern in several states. Kerala remains the hardest hit, reporting 189 new infections and bringing its active cases to 1,336, which is almost half of the total active cases in the country. Delhi recorded 81 new cases, increasing its active infections to 375, while West Bengal added 89 cases, raising its total to 205 active cases.
Maharashtra, a state that has seen several COVID waves before, reported 43 new cases. This brings its total infections for the year to 467, as reported by the state’s public health department. The increase in cases is linked to new COVID-19 variants. The World Health Organization has identified the LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring. These variants are believed to be contributing to the rise in cases in India, China, and other parts of Asia. However, the JN.1 strain continues to be the dominant one, making up 53% of all positive cases in India.
Data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium shows that the NB.1.8.1 variant was first detected in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were found in Gujarat earlier this month. Despite the rise in cases, hospitalization rates remain low across the country. Health authorities are advising people to stay careful by wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining hygiene, and getting tested on time. Mild symptoms like tiredness, sore throat, and stomach discomfort should not be ignored. Early testing and isolation are important to prevent the spread of the virus.
