India's Covid surge driven by new variants; Health Ministry urges calm amid 7 deaths

India is witnessing a significant surge in COVID-19 infections, primarily driven by new variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7. The Ministry of Health reports active cases have nearly tripled, reaching 2,710 by May 30, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi as the most affected states.

"Indias active COVID-19 cases have jumped to nearly 3,000. Kerala leads with 1,147 active cases, followed by Maharashtra (424) and Delhi (294)."

The dominant variant remains JN.1, accounting for 53% of cases, followed by BA.2 and other Omicron subvariants. However, the emergence of highly contagious NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants is believed to be fueling the recent spike.

"The dominant COVID-19 variant in India is JN.1 (53%), followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron subvariants (20%). Recently, cases of the highly contagious NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants have been reported."

Despite the rise in infections, the Health Ministry urges calm, noting that most cases are mild. However, seven deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities in the first five months of 2024 to 22.

"Seven deaths have also been recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the toll in the first five months of this year to 22."

The ministry emphasizes there is no need for panic, even as the virus continues to spread in key regions.

"However, most of the Covid cases have been reported to be mild, and there is no need to panic, the Health Ministry has said."

India is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by new variants, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7, with active cases nearing 3,000. The Health Ministry urges calm despite seven recent deaths, emphasizing most infections remain mild amid rising cases in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi.