India is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases again, with active cases crossing the 1,000 mark as of May 26, 2025. This spike is linked to new variants—JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8.1—detected in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. While experts say there’s no need to panic, staying informed and cautious is important. In this article, we’ll explain what these variants are, why cases are rising, and the six key symptoms you should never ignore.
Why Are COVID-19 Cases Rising in India?
According to recent data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), India has reported over 1,000 active COVID-19 cases, up from just 257 a week ago. States like Kerala (430 cases), Maharashtra (210 cases), and Delhi (104 cases) are seeing the highest numbers. The rise is mainly due to two new subvariants of the JN.1 lineage, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are spreading in India and other Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.
The JN.1 variant, a descendant of Omicron’s BA.2.86 lineage, was first identified in 2023. It spreads easily because of a few mutations, making it more transmissible. NB.1.8.1 has been found in Tamil Nadu, while LF.7 cases have been reported in Gujarat. These variants are behind the recent surge, but most cases are mild, and hospitalisations remain low.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital says, “The situation is under control, but people should stay alert, especially those with weak immunity.” Boosters and precautions like masking in crowded places can help reduce the risk.
6 COVID-19 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
With the new variants, some symptoms are slightly different from earlier strains. Here are six key symptoms of JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8.1 that you should watch out for:
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Fever or Chills
A high fever or sudden chills are common signs of COVID-19. If your temperature goes above 100°F or you feel cold and shivery, get tested immediately. -
Persistent Cough
A dry cough that doesn’t go away, or a new cough that worsens over days, could be a sign of infection. This is especially true if it’s paired with other symptoms. -
Sore Throat or Trouble Swallowing
Many people with JN.1 report a sore throat, sometimes with difficulty swallowing. This symptom is more noticeable with the new variants compared to earlier ones.
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Fatigue or Extreme Tiredness
Feeling unusually tired, even after resting, is a red flag. If you’re too weak to do daily tasks, it could be a sign of COVID-19. -
Body Aches and Headaches
Muscle pain, joint aches, or headaches that feel different from usual are common with these variants. If the pain persists, don’t ignore it. -
Loss of Smell or Taste
Though less common now, some people still lose their sense of smell or taste with JN.1 and its subvariants. If food tastes bland or you can’t smell anything, get checked.
If you notice any of these symptoms, isolate yourself, wear a mask, and consult a doctor. Early testing and treatment can prevent complications, especially for older adults or those with health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
How Serious Are the New Variants?
The good news is that NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are not causing severe illness in most cases. Experts say these variants are highly transmissible but lead to mild symptoms for most people. However, high-risk groups—like the elderly, people with weak immunity, or those with chronic illnesses—should take extra care.
India has given over 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, but booster uptake is low in some areas. Dr. Halder, a health expert, says boosters can cut the risk of symptomatic infection by 50% and severe disease by up to 80%. If you haven’t taken a booster recently, check with your local health centre.
Precautions to Stay Safe
Here are some simple steps to protect yourself and your family from the new variants:
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Wear a Mask: Use a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor places, especially in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Delhi, where cases are rising.
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Get Boosted: Check if you’re due for a booster shot. It’s the best way to stay protected.
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Wash Hands Regularly: Clean your hands with soap or sanitiser to reduce the risk of infection.
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Avoid Crowds: Stay away from packed places if you’re feeling unwell or have symptoms.
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Test Early: If you have symptoms, get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible to avoid spreading the virus.
Should You Be Worried?
While the rise in cases is concerning, experts say it’s not time to panic. The healthcare system is prepared, with hospitals in Delhi and other cities stocking up on beds, oxygen, and medicines. The focus is on monitoring the variants and encouraging vaccinations.
India’s history with COVID-19 shows we can handle surges with caution and awareness. By staying informed and following basic precautions, we can keep the situation under control.
