ICMR says rising COVID cases in India remain mild; no cause for worry

India has reported a rise in COVID-19 cases, reaching 1,009 active infections as of May 26, 2025, up from 257 cases on May 19. The increase is notably seen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, with Kerala alone accounting for 430 active cases.

Despite the surge, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr. Rajiv Behl emphasized that the current infections are generally mild and there is no cause for alarm. "But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," he stated.

The Health Ministry has identified Omicron subvariants LF.7, NB.1.8.1, XFG, and JN.1 circulating in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs), indicating a lower risk profile.

Kerala leads with 430 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209, Delhi with 104, and Karnataka with 47. In the past week, India recorded 752 new cases and seven deaths, while 305 patients were discharged.

The nationwide discharge tally stands at 445,11,545, with total fatalities at 533,673. Genome sequencing continues to monitor the evolving variants to inform public health responses.

Key quotes and stats:
"India on Monday (May 26, 2025) reported a total of 1,009. The number stood at 257 on May 19 with Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra reporting a spike in cases."
"Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl Monday said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry."
"The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified both LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs)."
"Kerala has the highest number of active cases at 430, followed by Maharashtra with 209, Delhi with 104, and Karnataka with 47."
"Overall, the country has reported an increase of 752 cases and seven deaths in the last week, while 305 people have been cured or discharged."

India's COVID-19 cases have risen to over 1,000, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu reporting spikes. The ICMR says infections remain mild and not worrisome. WHO classifies prevalent Omicron subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants Under Monitoring, not of concern.