Introduction
As of June 2025, India is witnessing a significant resurgence in COVID-19 cases, marking a concerning trend after months of relative stability. The emergence of new variants, particularly NB.1.8.1, has contributed to a sharp increase in infections across several states. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation, supported by the latest statistics and expert insights.Business Today+3Indiatimes+3The Times of India+3
Current COVID-19 Statistics in India
According to recent reports, India has experienced a five-fold increase in active COVID-19 cases, rising to over 3,395 as of May 31, 2025. Kerala remains the most affected state with 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375. Four deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities during this wave to seven. Onmanorama: Kerala News & Videos+4The Economic Times+4The Times of India+4
Emergence of the NB.1.8.1 Variant
The recent surge is attributed to the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1, initially detected in China and now present in countries like the U.S., Singapore, and Australia. While NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants, its ability to evade immune protection and spread rapidly is concerning, particularly for vulnerable populations. Indiatimes
State-wise Breakdown
Kerala
Kerala has seen a significant increase in active cases, rising from 430 on May 26 to 1,336 by May 31. The number of deaths in the state has also increased from two to six within the same period. Onmanorama: Kerala News & Videos+3The Times of India+3The Economic Times+3
Maharashtra
Maharashtra reported 467 active cases, with seven COVID-related deaths, the highest in the country during this wave. The Economic Times
Delhi
Delhi has recorded 375 active cases, prompting authorities to issue advisories to hospitals and urge citizens to adhere to safety protocols. The Economic Times
Symptoms and Severity
Most reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. However, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions remain at high risk. Business StandardThe Times of India
Government Response and Public Health Measures
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged citizens not to panic but to remain vigilant. Public health officials recommend updated vaccinations and mask use in high-risk environments. Delhi authorities have issued advisories to hospitals, and the government is closely monitoring the situation. The Economic TimesIndiatimes
Global Context
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring (VUM). During the four-week period from December 9, 2024, to January 5, 2025, over 161,000 new cases were reported worldwide, with approximately 3,300 new deaths. Hospitalizations increased by 10% during this period. reddit.com+3Indiatimes+3World Health Organization+3World Health Organization+1reddit.com+1
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