Active COVID-19 cases are increasing in India.

India reported 1,009 active COVID-19 cases as of May 26, 2025—a dramatic rise from 257 cases on May 19. The increase in active COVID-19 cases is mostly attributed to Tamil Nadu, as well as spikes in Kerala and Maharashtra. With 335 recorded last week, Kerala presently reports 430 active cases. Maharashtra trails with four deaths and 209 active cases. Delhi brought its overall count to 104 by adding 99 fresh cases.

Two fresh COVID variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7.7—have been identified by the Health Ministry as present in India. Tamil Nadu reported four cases of LF.7 in May; one case of NB.1.8.1 was found there in April. The WHO labels these variants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). China and other Asian countries have connected both variants to current case spikes.

The ministry stressed that, in spite of the increase, most cases are mild and treated at home. Surveillance runs across ICMR’s respiratory virus network and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).

The nation recorded 7 deaths and 752 fresh cases overall in the past week. 305 patients have recovered or been discharged meanwhile. Authorities are also tracking increasing numbers of cases in nations including Singapore and Hong Kong, but they have not found any proof the new variants cause more severe disease or are more transmissible.

The Union Health Ministry assured us that it remains vigilant and closely monitors the situation.

If you feel COVID-19 symptoms visit the near hospital