National/ Health Desk
1 June , Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Nutritionist And Health Educator
India is seeing a fresh rise in COVID-19 cases, with total infections crossing 3,700 on May 31. Two new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, are spreading quickly across the country. While most cases are showing mild symptoms, health officials are keeping a close watch. Sadly, the total death toll since January 2025 has reached 26, with four new deaths reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.
These two new variants are highly transmissible, meaning they spread faster than previous strains. Most deaths have occurred in patients who already had other health problems. On May 31 alone, India saw a jump of 685 cases — from 2,710 to 3,395 in just one day. By June 1, the total number of cases had risen to 3,758.
Among all the states, Kerala has reported the highest number of cases, with 1,336 active infections. Maharashtra follows with 467 cases and has reported seven deaths as of May 31. Delhi has also seen a sharp increase and now has 375 active cases.
Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal each have around 200 active cases. Gujarat saw a rise of 86 cases in one day, reaching 234. Tamil Nadu has 185, and Uttar Pradesh has 117. Sikkim, however, has reported no cases so far.
Kerala, being the worst hit, has increased testing and is keeping a close watch on patients with flu-like and respiratory symptoms. Officials have assured the public that hospitals are ready and testing facilities are in place. People are advised to monitor symptoms like sore throat, nausea, and stomach issues. If these last more than four days, an RT-PCR test is recommended.
Health experts urge people to stay alert but not panic.