Covid In India: 4 New Sub-Variants Found, Infection Severity Mild, Says ICMR Chief

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News18.com

Last Updated: May 26, 2025, 20:28 IST

Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research Dr Rajiv Behl emphasised that while cases aren’t severe and there’s no need to worry, it’s always wise to stay vigilant.

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As India is witnessing an uptick in Covid cases, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl on Monday said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry.

WHO and Indian health officials have stressed that NB.1.8.1 variant does not appear to cause more severe illness or higher mortality than other variants. (Photo: PTI file)

While speaking about the new Covid variants being traced, Dr Behl said that genome sequencing of samples from West and South India have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7 series, XFG series, JN.1 series and NB.1.8.1 series, reported news agency PTI.

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He further said that the ICMR is sequencing samples from other regions also to identify any new variants.

The ICMR DG further said there has been an uptick in cases –first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

He further emphasised that while cases aren’t severe and there’s no need to worry, it’s always wise to stay vigilant.

“We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now,” he said.

“Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It’s dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity — be it natural or from the vaccine. But there’s nothing to worry about at the moment,” Dr Behl said.

He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances.

“Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There’s nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared,” the ICMR DG asserted.

Besides that, ICMR’s nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said.

Covid Cases In India

Delhi reported at least 104 Covid-19 cases during the last week, while Kerala and Maharashtra have logged 430 and 209 new cases respectively in the same period, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

A total of 1,009 active cases have been reported from across India, including 12 in West Bengal, 13 in Rajasthan, 15 in Uttar Pradesh, 69 in Tamil Nadu, 47 in Karnataka and 83 in Gujarat.

Several states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have seen an uptick in fresh infections. However, most of these cases have been classified as mild and are being managed through home isolation, officials added.

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As of May 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. But these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in Covid cases in China and parts of Asia.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: May 26, 2025, 20:11 IST

New Delhi, May 26: The Covid infections caused by a new variant have only shown symptoms of viral fever so far and there is no need to panic, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said on Monday even as official data showed the city has reported 104 active cases in total. He said the government has sent a health advisory to hospitals telling them to be prepared for any eventuality, but it was just a precautionary step and not a sign of alarm. Government hospitals and doctors are “200 per cent prepared”, the minister asserted.

“We have advised hospitals to be ready with beds, oxygen, essential medicines, and equipment, just in case. This is a part of standard preparedness,” he said. “There is no need to worry. Covid caused by the new variant is similar to a normal viral illness. The patients who have come in so far are experiencing mild symptoms like fever, cough, and cold,” Singh told PTI. According to official data, Delhi has reported a total of 104 active COVID-19 cases. Health officials said 24 patients have recovered in the past week. Covid-19 in India: Active Coronavirus Cases Climb to 1,000 Mark in Country, Kerala Tops Chart With Highest 430 Cases.

Last week, the total number of active cases stood at 99, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s COVID-19 dashboard. A senior Delhi government health official confirmed the figures, adding that while the situation remains under control, authorities are closely monitoring any potential surge. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also urged people not to panic, asserting that hospitals were fully prepared to manage any potential rise in cases.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, she said, “We have details of the COVID-19 cases. Our hospitals have all the facilities. We have also issued an advisory. We have analysed the scenario and there is no panic situation.” Echoing similar reassurance, Singh said the Delhi government’s hospitals, doctors, and medical staff are fully equipped and ready to respond if required. “There is no cause for concern. Everything is in place. The advisory was issued so that we are prepared, not because there is any emergency,” he added.

Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. “Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants.” COVID-19 Warning: Bengaluru Reports 1st COVID Death; Active Cases Stands at 38 in Karnataka.

As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as “Variants Under Monitoring”, not as Variants of Concern or Interest. These variants are reportedly contributing to a rise in COVID-19 cases in China and parts of Asia.

By Dr. K. Madan Gopal , Prof Suneela Garg & Dr K S Uplabdh Gopal

Over the past few days, you may have seen headlines warning of a “fresh rise in COVID-19 cases” in India. While this news may sound worrying, the reality on the ground is far more reassuring than it appears. The increase in cases is small, the illness is generally mild, and India’s health systems are well-prepared. Most importantly, we now have the tools, knowledge, and resilience to manage this situation without fear.

Let us break this down clearly and calmly.

What’s Happening?

As of May 19, 2025, India has reported a total of 257 active COVID-19 cases. Daily updates from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare show that while numbers have increased slightly from earlier this month, the situation remains firmly under control.

On May 12, India saw 164 new cases, with Kerala alone accounting for 69. Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu continue to report the bulk of these cases—together accounting for over 85% of active cases nationwide. Kerala has reported 273 cases in May so far, mostly from districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kottayam. In Maharashtra, Mumbai saw 30 new cases on May 24, contributing to the state’s total of 56. Tamil Nadu is currently reporting 66 active cases. Smaller numbers have been recorded in Delhi (23), Karnataka (13), Puducherry (10), Gujarat (7), Rajasthan (2), Haryana (1), Sikkim (1), and West Bengal (1).

These are not alarming numbers in a country of over 1.4 billion people. India continues to maintain one of the world’s strongest surveillance systems for respiratory illnesses, especially fever. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) teams in each district regularly track unusual clusters and seasonal spikes, helping the government stay a step ahead of new outbreaks.

What Variants Are Circulating?

The JN.1 variant, an Omicron sub-variant, is currently the most dominant strain in India. It accounts for around 53% of recent cases, according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). It spreads easily but, like other Omicron sub-variants, causes mild illness in most people.

Other variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have also been detected in small numbers. These are under observation globally, but so far, they have not shown signs of causing severe illness.

Mild Symptoms, Quick Recovery

The good news is that most people are not getting seriously ill. Symptoms resemble those of a common cold or seasonal flu and include:

Fever or chills

Cough (usually dry)

Sore throat and runny nose

Fatigue

Headache and body ache

Diarrhoea (more commonly reported with JN.1)

Itchy or red eyes (especially with the XBB.1.16/“Arcturus” variant seen earlier)

Importantly, most cases are being managed at home, with very few needing hospital admission. COVID-related deaths are rare and usually involve people with multiple underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or advanced age.

ALSO READ People with these symptoms must get tested for COVID-19, warn experts

Why the Situation Is Different Now

Unlike the early years of the pandemic, India today has strong immunity built through a combination of widespread vaccination and past infections—also known as “hybrid immunity.” Over 2.2 billion vaccine doses have been administered in India so far, including primary and booster doses. This has helped reduce the severity of illness even if infections occur.

Additionally, India’s public health system is more experienced now. We have enhanced oxygen infrastructure, digital health monitoring tools, and clearly defined clinical management protocols. States are conducting mock drills to ensure readiness at health facilities. The government is also actively testing for new variants through INSACOG, and vaccine stockpiles are being monitored centrally.

What the Experts Say

Leading public health experts have consistently stressed that there is no cause for alarm. According to noted virologist Dr. T. Jacob John, “the rise in cases is expected and not worrying. Viruses will continue to mutate and circulate, but thanks to existing immunity, the impact on health is minimal.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not raised any global alerts regarding these variants. India’s proactive risk communication and surveillance strategies have been acknowledged internationally.

Why You Should Not Panic

In times of uncertainty, fear often spreads faster than facts. It’s important to remember:

The number of active cases is still very low.

The disease is mostly mild and not overwhelming hospitals.

Vaccination continues to protect people against serious illness.

Fever surveillance in India is among the best globally, helping detect patterns early.

Government agencies are alert and fully engaged in monitoring the situation.

If you or someone around you gets sick, the first step is not to panic but to consult a doctor and follow standard medical advice. Most likely, it will be a mild flu-like illness.

Simple Precautions Still Work

We don’t need lockdowns or mass restrictions. But a few basic precautions can go a long way:

Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces or when visiting hospitals.

Keep your rooms well-ventilated.

Stay home if you are unwell to avoid spreading illness.

if you are unwell to avoid spreading illness. Check your vaccination status—get your booster if eligible.

Remember, protecting elderly family members or those with chronic illnesses remains important. If you are visiting such individuals, take extra care with hygiene and masking.

A Calm, Balanced Approach

COVID-19 is now behaving like many other respiratory viruses—seasonal, occasionally rising, but largely manageable. It is no longer a public health emergency, but a disease we know how to deal with.

We must stay informed, not anxious. Sensational headlines should not dictate our response. Instead, trust data, listen to health authorities, and take rational precautions. By doing so, we protect not just ourselves, but also our communities.

India has walked a long road since 2020. We are stronger, wiser, and better prepared than ever before. A calm and responsible response is all we need to tide us over this phase.

Views expressed are personal

Dr K Madan Gopal is a Health Systems expert and is currently working as an Advisor with the Public Health Administration division at NHSRC, Prof Dr Suneela Garg is a senior public health expert and is ex-chair of the program committee of NIHFW, MoHFW GoI , Dr K S Uplabdh Gopal Works as Associate Fellow at Health Initiatives at Observer Research foundation, New Delhi