COVID-19 Cases are Rising Again in India: What’s causing the increase and should you be concerned?

COVID-19 Cases are Rising Again in India: What’s causing the increase and should you be concerned?

After a period of relative calm, India is once again witnessing a mild uptick in COVID-19 cases. While the numbers are significantly lower than the devastating waves of the past, this resurgence has naturally sparked questions and concerns. So, what’s behind this current spike, and should you be worried? Let’s break it down.

The Current Scenario: A Gradual Rise, Not a Surge

As of late May 2025, India’s active caseload has crossed the 1,000 mark. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat are reporting a noticeable increase in infections. Delhi, for instance, has seen its active cases jump to over 100, while Kerala and Maharashtra continue to report the highest number of active infections.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this is not a full-blown wave reminiscent of 2021. Experts and health authorities emphasize that the situation is currently under control, and the increase is gradual rather than explosive. Hospitalizations remain low, and the public health system is not under strain.

However, it’s crucial to understand that this is not a full-blown wave reminiscent of 2021. Experts and health authorities emphasize that the situation is currently under control, and the increase is gradual rather than explosive. Hospitalizations remain low, and the public health system is not under strain.

What’s Causing the Spike?

Several factors are believed to be contributing to this mild resurgence:

• Waning Immunity: Over time, the protection offered by vaccination and previous infections naturally wanes. This leaves individuals more susceptible to reinfection, especially if they haven’t received booster doses in a while.
• New Sub-variants: The virus continues to mutate, and new sub-variants are emerging. Notably, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both descendants of the Omicron JN.1 lineage, have been detected in India. The JN.1 variant itself remains the most dominant strain, accounting for over 50% of sequenced samples. While these sub-variants are classified as “Variants Under Monitoring” by the WHO (meaning they are being tracked but are not yet considered Variants of Concern), early data suggests they might be more transmissible and capable of evading existing immunity to some extent. NB.1.8.1, for instance, shows a “growth advantage,” indicating its ability to spread more rapidly.
• Relaxed Precautions and Increased Social Gatherings: With the pandemic largely considered over, public adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior (like mask-wearing and social distancing) has significantly dropped. Increased travel, festivals, and social gatherings create more opportunities for the virus to spread.
• Seasonal Patterns: Like other respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 can show seasonal patterns, often spreading more efficiently in certain weather conditions. India is currently experiencing a rise in other viral flu infections, which may also reflect broader seasonal trends.
• Reduced Testing and Surveillance: With COVID-19 now considered endemic, testing and genome sequencing efforts have been scaled back in many regions. This means that some rising case numbers might remain undetected for longer, potentially delaying the identification of outbreaks.

Should You Be Worried?

While vigilance is key, panic is unwarranted. Here’s why:

• Mostly Mild Illness: A significant positive is that the vast majority of current cases are mild, resembling common cold or flu symptoms. Doctors are reporting very few cases requiring ICU care or leading to fatalities. Hospitalizations remain low.
• Strong Hybrid Immunity: India has achieved substantial “hybrid immunity” through a combination of widespread vaccination and past infections. This robust immunity helps to reduce the severity of illness, even if infections occur.
• No Lockdowns Planned: The government has made it clear that there are no plans for lockdowns or mass restrictions.
• Vigilant Monitoring: Health authorities, including INSACOG (India’s COVID-19 genome sequencing consortium), are actively monitoring the situation, tracking variants, and assessing their impact.

What Symptoms to Watch For?

The symptoms of the currently circulating variants largely resemble those of previous Omicron strains, but some subtle differences have been noted:

• Common Symptoms: Sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever (often low-grade and persistent), muscle aches, nasal congestion, headaches, and a runny/stuffy nose.
• Emerging Symptoms: Some patients have reported a higher incidence of gastrointestinal issues (nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea) and persistent low-grade fever (typically between 37.6∘C and 38.1∘C) that might not be accompanied by rapid breathing or intense heat.
• Less Common: Loss of taste or smell, which was a hallmark of earlier variants, is now less frequently reported.

Essential Precautions to Take:

Even with a less severe disease profile, it’s vital to remain cautious, especially for vulnerable groups: the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

• Mask Up in Crowded Spaces: Wear a well-fitted mask, especially in crowded indoor settings, public transport, and when visiting hospitals or caring for sick individuals.
• Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Maintain Physical Distance: Try to keep a safe distance from others, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing.
• Stay Home if Unwell: If you experience any symptoms, isolate yourself to prevent further spread and consider getting tested.
• Boost Your Protection: If you are eligible for a booster dose, especially if you are elderly or have comorbidities, consider getting it to maintain robust immunity.
• Ensure Ventilation: Keep rooms well-ventilated, particularly during gatherings.
• Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, especially for high-risk individuals, seek medical advice promptly. Monitor oxygen levels at home if possible.

29 May 2025

According to WHO, a new variation of COVID-19 may be causing an increase in cases in certain parts of the world.

COVID-As a new variety circulates in several parts of the world, 19 cases are on the rise again. According to the World Health Organization on Wednesday, May 28, the increase in cases is predominantly in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions.