Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 2: As India reported nearly 4,000 active COVID-19 cases on Monday, health experts reassured the public that the current wave of infections is unlikely to overwhelm hospitals.
According to the Ministry of Health’s latest update, there are currently 3,961 active COVID-19 cases nationwide. Since January 1, 2025, the death toll has risen to 32. However, 2,188 patients were discharged or migrated in the last 24 hours, indicating an encouraging recovery trend.
“It is highly unlikely that the current infection can cause a higher burden on hospitals. Hence, there is no need to panic,” Dr. Harshal R. Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi, told IANS. “However, the sentinel surveillance system needs to be strengthened to catch any outbreak in its earlier phase,” he added.
States with the highest number of cases so far include Kerala (1,435), Maharashtra (506), Delhi (483), Gujarat (338), and West Bengal (331).
The fresh uptick in cases is attributed to two new sub-variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both mutations of the Omicron sub-lineage JN.1. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), both variants have been detected in India.
“While COVID cases are testing positive again, there is absolutely no need to panic,” said Dr. S.K. Chaudhary, Chief Superintendent of Motilal Nehru Joint Hospital in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. “It is due to the JN.1 variant, which is reportedly reappearing,” he explained.
Dr. Salve noted that severe infections from these variants are unlikely, given that the majority of the population has developed natural immunity through prior infections.
“Symptoms are similar to earlier COVID infections. Since most people have already been infected, they possess natural immunity that protects them from severe disease,” Dr. Salve added.
However, he cautioned that the sub-variants are highly transmissible, advising those with comorbidities and elderly individuals to continue wearing N95 masks to protect themselves from infection. “In general, cough hygiene and handwashing must be practiced,” he emphasized.