Recent Upswing in COVID-19 Cases

By Swastika Sarkar

A vendor selling goods during Covid outbreak (Photograph captured by Anwesha Panja, Alumni of 2023 batch)

India is seeing a mild wave of COVID-19, with the total active cases having crossed the 1,000 mark as reported on May 26, 2025. Health officials and experts have pointed out that there is no reason for alarm, yet, states are on the watch, while vigilance is recommended, especially for weaker sections. The WHO has classified the LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as 'Variants Under Monitoring', not as 'Variants of Concern or Interest'. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Governemnt of India, the country has reported an increase of 752 cases and seven deaths in the last week, while 305 people have been cured or discharged as per official records, however, the unofficial numbers might be more. Symptoms associated with these new variants are generally mild and often resemble the common cold or seasonal flu such as low-grade fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, occasional dry cough, headache, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal upset. Loss of taste or smell is less frequently reported, which was very common in patients in the earlier waves.

Geographically, Kerala has reportedly received the highest number of active cases, followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat. Other Indian states such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana have also witnessed growth in cases. Hospitals in the affected areas are experiencing a new surge of patients. The government is not considering any lockdown but mask advisories in high-risk areas are being promoted. Also, work-from-home flexibility could be provided if possible.

India' vigorous vaccination drive has contributed to the diminished impact of the current wave of Covid and thus it is not fatal. Over 95% of eligible adults have received their primary two doses, and 73% have received at least one booster dose. However, only about 18% have taken the updated 2024–2025 booster, which is tailored for Omicron sub-lineages. Booster doses are now annually advised, particularly for elderly persons over 60 years, those with comorbidities, frontline medical staff, and immunocompromised individuals. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely watching the new variants and the potential effect, calling for ongoing caution and precautionary measures such as wearing masks in public places and proper hand sanitation.

Swastika Sarkar is a student of B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, Semester 2, School of Media and Communication, Adamas University.