Corona Virus Spike: In just nine days, India has seen a staggering 1300% surge in COVID-19 cases, with 21 deaths reported within 48 hours. The number of active cases now stands at 3,783. In Bengaluru, even a patient who had received all three vaccine doses succumbed to the virus, highlighting the current challenges of the pandemic.

Corona Virus Spike: India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Cross 3,783, Surge of 1300% in 9 Days

India has witnessed a sharp increase in active COVID cases, reaching 3,783 as of now. According to the Ministry of Health’s website, on May 22, there were only 257 cases. This marks a dramatic 1300% rise in just nine days. Kerala is reporting the highest number with 1,400 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 485, and Delhi with 436.

Since January 2025, the country has recorded 28 COVID-19-related deaths. Earlier, the government had reported only seven deaths as of May 30, 8 am. But in the last 48 hours alone, there have been 21 more deaths, taking the total to 28.

In Bengaluru, a 63-year-old man who had received both vaccine doses and a booster shot died on May 31. In Delhi, a 60-year-old man also lost his life to the virus. Maharashtra and Kerala each reported seven deaths.

Karnataka Issues COVID Advisory

The Karnataka government issued a public advisory on Saturday, urging people to wear masks in crowded areas, maintain physical distancing, and follow hygiene practices. It advised immediate testing for symptoms like fever, cough, chest pain, or breathing difficulty.

First COVID Case in Mizoram After 7 Months

In Mizoram, two new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Friday. This comes seven months after the last case was reported in October 2024, when 73 people were infected. The patients are currently being treated at Zoram Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) near Aizawl.

The state’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) has asked people not to panic and to continue following COVID-appropriate behavior, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places.

Maharashtra Conducts Over 10,000 Tests

The Maharashtra government reported 68 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. Media reports say that since January 2025, Mumbai has recorded 411 cases. In total, the state has conducted 10,324 tests so far this year, with 681 testing positive.

In Jammu and Kashmir, two new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday. Both patients are from Kerala and are studying at the Government Dental College in Srinagar.

Four New COVID Variants Detected in India

As cases rise in several states, four new COVID-19 variants have been found in India. Dr. Rajeev Bahl, Director of ICMR, said these variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—were identified mainly in southern and western states. Sample testing is ongoing to check for other possible variants. So far, none of the new variants are considered highly dangerous, but people are urged to stay alert.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not listed these variants as worrying but is monitoring them. Similar variants have been seen in China and other parts of Asia.

Among them, the NB.1.8.1 variant has mutations (A435S, V445H, T478I) that make it spread faster and evade existing immunity.

JN.1 Variant Most Common in India

Currently, the JN.1 variant is the most common in India, appearing in more than half of the samples tested. The BA.2 variant makes up 26% of cases, while 20% are Omicron sub-lineages.

The JN.1 variant is a strain of Omicron’s BA.2.86 and was first detected in August 2023. In December 2023, WHO classified it as a “variant of interest.” JN.1 has about 30 mutations that weaken the body’s immunity, making it easier to catch.

According to Johns Hopkins University in the US, JN.1 spreads more easily than other variants, but it doesn’t usually cause severe illness. However, in many parts of the world, it has become the most widespread variant.

Symptoms of JN.1 can last for days or even weeks. If symptoms persist for a long time, it could lead to long COVID—a condition where symptoms continue even after recovery.

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