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India is once again witnessing a surge in Covid-19 infections, with the total number of active cases crossing the 1,000-mark, sparking renewed public concern and vigilance from health authorities. Over 752 new cases have been recorded in recent days, pushing the national count to 1,009 active cases.
The rise in infections has been accompanied by the detection of two new Covid-19 variants — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — which have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “variants under monitoring.”
Kerala Leads in Active Cases
Kerala currently tops the chart with 430 active infections, followed by:
- Maharashtra – 209 cases
- Delhi – 104 cases
- Gujarat – 83 cases
- Karnataka – 47 cases
Delhi alone has reported 99 new infections in the past week, contributing significantly to the national uptick.
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Despite the rising numbers, health authorities have confirmed that the majority of new infections are mild, with patients under home care and no immediate strain reported on hospital infrastructure.
New Variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected
The recent surge coincides with the identification of two new Omicron sublineages in India:
- NB.1.8.1 was first identified in Tamil Nadu
- LF.7 was detected in Gujarat
Both variants have been flagged by the WHO as being under observation, though there is no current evidence suggesting they are more transmissible or cause more severe illness than earlier strains.
Dominant Variant Remains JN.1
According to data shared by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the JN.1 subvariant continues to dominate:
- JN.1 accounts for 53% of recent infections
- BA.2 makes up 26%
- Other Omicron sublineages comprise the remaining 20%
Health experts emphasize that these variants remain within the broader Omicron family, and currently show no marked increase in severity or hospitalization rates.
No Active Cases in Several States
While select regions are witnessing a rise in infections, several Indian states and territories have reported no active cases at present. These include:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Bihar
- Himachal Pradesh
- Among others
This uneven distribution highlights the regional disparity in case numbers and the importance of localized monitoring and response.
Health Authorities Monitoring Closely
The Union Health Secretary and officials from ICMR have assessed the evolving situation and are urging the public to remain calm yet cautious. Current protocols emphasize:
- Continued genomic surveillance of new variants
- Testing and contact tracing where necessary
- Public adherence to preventive guidelines, including mask usage in crowded spaces
While the spike in cases mirrors similar surges seen in regions like Singapore and Hong Kong, Indian health officials reiterate that there is no cause for alarm at this stage.
