New Delhi, 29 May 2025: After months of declining numbers and a sense of pandemic fatigue, India is once again seeing a concerning spike in COVID-19 cases. The country’s active caseload has crossed the 1,100 mark, as per the latest update from the Union Health Ministry. This new wave is being led by Kerala, which accounts for the highest number of active infections, followed closely by Maharashtra.
The resurgence is being attributed to new sub-variants of the Omicron strain—XFG, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7—which are reported to be highly transmissible, though not necessarily more severe. Health officials have clarified that the symptoms remain mostly mild, but the pace of spread is prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
New Variants Driving the Surge
The recent rise in cases appears to be driven by a fresh batch of Omicron sub-lineages that have mutated slightly from previous forms. According to virologists, these variants are designed to evade prior immunity—whether through past infection or vaccination—but don’t yet show signs of causing more serious illness.
XFG is marked by faster person-to-person transmission and spike protein changes that allow it to slip past immune defenses.
NB.1.8.1 is associated with minor reinfection clusters and fatigue-related symptoms.
LF.7 has triggered concern in isolated regions due to its rapid community spread.
So far, hospitalization and ICU admission rates remain low, but public health officials caution that this may change if the virus continues to circulate widely among high-risk groups.
Kerala and Maharashtra Under the Spotlight
Kerala has reported the most significant surge, with a daily rise in infections pushing its active caseload to over 700 cases, accounting for more than 60% of the national tally. Maharashtra has recorded the second-highest number, particularly in urban centers such as Mumbai and Pune.
Health authorities in both states have re-activated surveillance protocols, increased testing in districts showing spikes, and urged citizens to adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior, especially in public spaces and healthcare settings.
Dr. A. Sreekumar, a Kerala-based epidemiologist, said, “This isn’t unexpected. As we move through 2025, new variants will continue to emerge. Our job is to stay ahead by testing, tracing, and ensuring vulnerable populations are protected.”
Are These COVID Variants Dangerous?
According to experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the current variants are not considered lethal and primarily cause upper respiratory symptoms such as:
Low-grade fever
Cough and sore throat
Fatigue and muscle aches
Mild headache and nasal congestion
For most individuals, the illness resolves within 3 to 5 days without hospitalization. However, those with comorbidities, weakened immune systems, or elderly patients are still advised to be cautious, as the virus can exacerbate underlying conditions.
Should the Public Be Worried?
While the rise in cases should not induce panic, it certainly calls for renewed vigilance.
Health officials and infectious disease experts across India recommend the following steps:
- Wear masks in crowded and enclosed spaces
- Avoid unnecessary gatherings, especially indoors
- Get booster doses, especially if your last shot was over 6 months ago
- Test if symptomatic, and isolate to prevent spread
- Keep up with local health advisories issued by state governments
Dr. Nivedita Gupta, a virologist at ICMR, remarked, “This is a manageable wave as long as we act responsibly. We must treat COVID-19 like any other public health threat—stay aware, but not alarmed.”
COVID Vaccines Still Offer Strong Protection
Current vaccines and updated boosters continue to offer robust protection against severe illness and death, even against these newer variants. Though breakthrough infections are being reported, they are generally mild and do not require hospital care.
People with hybrid immunity—a combination of past infection and vaccination—seem to fare even better. Several studies suggest that this dual form of immunity offers the broadest defense against new variants by covering a range of viral mutations.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS Director, said, “Vaccines may not prevent infection in every case, but they certainly reduce the risk of hospitalization. That’s the real victory of immunization.”
