New Delhi: There appears to be no let-up in the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in India, with 276 fresh infections in the last 24 hours, pushing the total active caseload to 4,578, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday morning.
Seven Covid-related deaths were also reported, including that of a five-month-old male child suffering from respiratory complications.
Of the deceased, three were from Maharashtra, and two each from Delhi and Karnataka. Six of the seven individuals had pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or pneumonia, as per the Ministry data.
The steady increase in infections is being linked to the spread of new variants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant.
In the wake of increasing Covid infections across the States, the Ministry is gearing up preparedness efforts. A nationwide facility-level mock drill is scheduled for June 5 to assess the readiness of hospitals to manage a potential surge.
Since May 22, active cases have climbed sharply from 257 to over 4,000, with Kerala remaining the worst-affected state, followed by Delhi, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
So far in 2025, 3,281 patients have been cured, discharged, or migrated. In the past 24 hours alone, 581 recoveries have been reported.
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of NB.1.8.1 was detected in Tamil Nadu in April, and four LF.7 cases were identified in Gujarat in May. The most common variant currently in circulation is JN.1, making up 53% of sequenced samples, followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron sublineages.
The Central government has instructed all states and union territories to ensure adequate stocks of oxygen, critical care beds, and essential medicines. Health experts have warned that the elderly and individuals with underlying health issues remain most vulnerable and should seek prompt medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) too has called for the public to maintain basic preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded spaces.