New Delhi: India’s active virus case load has risen to 7,131 as of 8 am on Friday, according to the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry.
One death was registered during the period, bringing the cumulative death toll to 78 since the beginning of the year.
The recent uptick in cases is attributed to emerging sub-variants of the Omicron lineage, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants are characterized by increased transmissibility but tend to cause milder clinical symptoms. Currently classified by the World Health Organization as “Variants Under Monitoring,” health experts emphasise that ongoing surveillance and adherence to preventive measures are vital to curbing potential escalation.
Kerala continues to be the most affected state, with 2,055 active cases. West Bengal follows with 747 cases, Delhi has reported 714 cases, and Maharashtra has 629 active infections. Gujarat has also experienced a notable rise, reporting 1,358 active cases. Since West Bengal has yet to share its latest infection data, the actual case count may be higher.
Since the start of 2025, India has recorded a total of 78 Covid-19 related deaths. The most recent casualty involved an 82-year-old man from Kerala with co-morbidities including Type 1 respiratory failure and Covid pneumonia.
While the virus no longer poses an emergency-level threat, health authorities caution that Covid-19 continues to circulate seasonally, similar to influenza. Recoveries have reached approximately 10,976 since early 2025, indicating ongoing resilience against severe disease.
States such as Karnataka (395 active cases), Tamil Nadu (220), and Uttar Pradesh (251) are also witnessing moderate case loads. Health authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, especially the elderly and immune-compromised, while reiterating the importance of hygiene, masking in crowded places, and timely testing.