Image Source – Hindustan Times
India is once again facing a slow climb in COVID-19 cases. The Union Health Ministry clocked 257 active COVID-19 cases on May 19, 2025, and by May 24, the data pointed to little flare-ups in places like Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka. They’re pinning this rise on the Omicron JN.1 variant and its cousins, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—names that the World Health Organization is keeping tabs on. Experts are quick to calm any nerves, though: no one’s getting seriously sick, hospitals aren’t swamped, and there’s a plan in place to keep this under wraps.
COVID-19 Case Trends Across Indian States
The uptick isn’t hitting everywhere the same. Here’s the rundown as of May 24:
- Kerala: 273 COVID-19 cases in May—top of the list. Hotspots like Kottayam (82) and Thiruvananthapuram (73) are driving it, with Ernakulam (49), Pathanamthitta (30), and Thrissur (26) not far behind. Masks are back in hospitals there.
- Mumbai: 95 COVID-19 cases, but only 16 people needed a hospital bed. Testing’s recommended if you’ve got severe respiratory symptoms.
- Delhi: 23 COVID-19 cases—the first real jump in three years. Hospitals are gearing up, though no deaths have cropped up.
- Karnataka: 35 COVID-19 cases, including a nine-month-old who tested positive on May 22. The baby’s doing fine, thankfully.
- Maharashtra (Thane): 10 COVID-19 cases over three days, all mild, no big deal so far.
- Noida: Just 1 COVID-19 case—a 55-year-old marking the wave’s arrival there.
- Ghaziabad: 4 COVID-19 cases, barely a blip.
Kerala has reported the highest number of cases, with 273 infections in May, driven by localized outbreaks in districts like Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram. Mumbai has seen 95 cases, with only 16 patients requiring hospitalization, indicating mild symptoms. Delhi’s 23 cases mark the first significant rise in three years, prompting hospitals to prepare for potential increases. Karnataka reported 35 cases, including a notable case of a nine-month-old baby who tested positive via a rapid antigen test (RAT) on May 22, 2025, and is in stable condition. Noida and Ghaziabad have reported minimal cases, with one and four cases, respectively, suggesting the surge is not widespread.
Dominant COVID-19 Variants in India
This wave’s got Omicron JN.1 written all over it—over half the samples they’ve checked show it’s the ringleader. BA.2’s still kicking around at 26%, and other Omicron subvariants fill out the rest. There are a couple of new COVID-19 variants, too: NB.1.8.1 popped up once in Tamil Nadu back in April, and LF.7 showed up four times in Gujarat this month. The WHO’s watching them, but they’re not ringing any alarm bells yet. If you catch it, expect the usual—fever, a scratchy throat, maybe a headache or two. Most folks shake it off in four days.
India’s Health Response to COVID-19 Surge
India’s government’s not sitting idle. They’re tracking this COVID-19 situation through the IDSP and ICMR, and after a big meeting, the Union Health Ministry swore it’s all under control. Sewage checks back that up—no crazy spikes, just a gentle rise here and there. The INSACOG crew’s on variant duty, confirming JN.1’s still the boss with NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 making cameo appearances. Hospitals in Delhi and Kerala are prepping beds and oxygen, but honestly, the healthcare system’s not even breaking a sweat right now.
Essential Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19
Health folks are nudging everyone—especially older people or those with health issues—to keep up the COVID-19 basics. Wear a mask if it’s crowded or you’re in a hospital, wash your hands like it’s 2020 again, and don’t brush off a fever or sore throat. If you’re really feeling rough, get tested. With over 720 million fully vaccinated since way back in January 2022, plus all that natural immunity from past waves, this isn’t hitting us like it used to. Still, they say, keep your shots current and listen to what your local officials are saying.
India’s COVID-19 Statistics: A Closer Look
Zoom out, and India’s tally since the start is massive—45,041,748 total COVID-19 cases as of May 17, 2025. Recoveries are at 44,511,240, but the 533,623 deaths still weigh heavy. Those 257 active COVID-19 cases from May 19? A drop in the bucket compared to the worst days. It’s not a crisis, but it’s enough to keep us watching.
COVID-19 Trends in South Asia and Beyond
India’s COVID-19 situation isn’t alone in this boat. South Asia’s seeing similar bumps—Singapore’s COVID-19 cases shot from 11,100 in late April to over 14,000 by early May, thanks to LF.7 and NB.1.5. Hong Kong’s in the same mess. India’s not looking as rough by comparison, and our surveillance and immunity are pulling their weight. Even so, it’s no time to slack off.
Conclusion
So, as of May 24, 2025, India’s got a slight COVID-19 uptick on its hands, mostly thanks to JN.1 and its subvariants. Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, and Karnataka are feeling it the most, but it’s not chaos—nothing severe, no wild new variants. The system’s holding steady, and with good surveillance, tons of vaccinated people, and simple rules like masks and hygiene, we’re managing. It’s not over, though. Staying sharp and sticking to the plan is what’ll keep this from turning into something bigger.
Move Next
Key Citations:
Why are COVID-19 cases rising again in India
India detects NB.1.8.1 variant as JN.1 drives infections
Experts say rise in COVID-19 cases not a worry
Two COVID variants causing fresh cases found in India
New COVID-19 subvariant detected in India
COVID-19 cases in 2025: Hospital and vaccination updates
Surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, Mumbai, other cities
