COVID-19 Update: NB.1.8.1 Variant Spreads in India, Kerala Sees Highest Spike

New Delhi — India reported a new surge in COVID-19 infections, with 1,010 cases as of May 27, 2025. The spread is mainly caused by new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are under observation by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Though governments ask people to exercise caution, experts say there is no cause for alarm as symptoms are still light for the majority of patients.

Why India's COVID Surge is Increasing

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that Kerala is at the forefront of the surge with 335 new cases, followed by Maharashtra (153), Delhi (99), and Gujarat (76). Telangana also had its first case today.

While overall severity is low, metro cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad are witnessing a steep increase in daily infections. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said hospitals are "fully equipped" to deal with any surge.

What Do We Know About NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Variants?

According to INSACOG information, the most prevalent strain currently circulating is protein-mutated sub-lineage JN.1, i.e., NB.1.8.1, which is more transmissible. Up to now, 58 genome sequences of this strain have been posted worldwide from 22 nations. LF.7, mostly found in southern India, is also being watched for its rapid city-to-city transmission.

Symptoms Now in 2025

Physicians and the WHO say that the symptoms are still mild. Some of the usual COVID-19 symptoms in 2025 are:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue and low-grade fever
• Mild cough and nasal congestion
• Muscle aches, nausea, and sporadic gastrointestinal disturbances
• Headaches and low-grade hyperthermia

If these persist longer than 3–4 days, citizens are encouraged to take a rapid antigen test or RT-PCR. Public health authorities also encourage staying away from large, indoor crowds.

COVID Deaths and Severity

So far, 7 COVID-related deaths have been reported across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Kerala, with pre-existing conditions being the leading cause, rather than the virus itself.

The WHO currently categorizes the global health risk of NB.1.8.1 as "low", though surveillance remains high.

Flashback: India’s COVID Timeline

India initially combated COVID-19 in March 2020, experiencing two large waves in two years, causing more than 5 lakh deaths. Kerala was one of the first states to identify the virus. The pandemic put the country's industries, education, and economy to a halt, with nationwide lockdowns and unprecedented public health measures.