May 26,2025 FACT RECORDER
Covid-19 in India: Active Cases Rise Fivefold in a Week, Deaths Increase Despite Mild Variant
India has witnessed a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases over the past 7-10 days, with active cases increasing nearly five times. According to the Union Health Ministry’s Covid dashboard, active cases rose from 257 on May 22 to 1,007 by May 26. So far, seven deaths have been reported due to the infection, and several patients require hospital admission.
Is This Covid Wave More Severe?
Experts say the current surge is driven by new Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These variants are highly contagious but are not considered to cause severe illness like previous variants such as Delta. The WHO notes that NB.1.8.1 emerged from a recombinant variant XDV.1.5.1, first identified in January 2025, with mutations that increase transmissibility and allow it to evade immunity to some extent.
State-wise Situation
Delhi, Mumbai, and Kerala are among the worst affected. Delhi’s active cases have crossed 100, with 99 new cases in a week. Kerala leads with 430 active cases, including 335 new infections in the last week. Maharashtra has 209 active cases, Gujarat 83, Tamil Nadu 69, and Karnataka 47.
Rising Deaths Despite Mild Variant
Though these variants are mild, Covid-related deaths have risen, with seven fatalities reported between May 19 and 26—four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. Doctors explain that most deaths are among patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, whose weakened immunity makes them vulnerable to severe illness.
Expert Advice
Doctors stress that the current variants are unlikely to cause severe disease in most people, especially the vaccinated. Out of 752 new cases in the last week, 305 have already recovered, with most patients recovering at home. However, people above 65 years, those with comorbidities, and immunocompromised individuals should remain cautious.
Preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding crowded places are still important to curb the spread and protect vulnerable groups.
