A nine-month-old baby boy from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural district has tested positive for Covid-19, Karnataka health officials confirmed on Friday, May 24. The infant was diagnosed through a Rapid Antigen Test on May 22 and is currently stable, receiving treatment at Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru.

This case coincides with a gradual rise in Covid-19 infections across Karnataka, where 35 active cases have been reported so far this year, with 32 concentrated in Bengaluru.

In response to this increase, the Karnataka government issued a comprehensive advisory on May 25, urging vulnerable groups to adopt strict safety measures, including mask-wearing in crowded places, while assuring the public that the situation remains under control.

Infant’s Condition Stable Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases; Government Issues Detailed Advisory

The nine-month-old infant from Hoskote was initially admitted to a private hospital after showing mild symptoms, before being transferred to Vani Vilas Hospital in Kalasipalya for specialised care. Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department, confirmed the infant’s positive Covid-19 status and stated, “The patient is stable and currently admitted to Vani Vilas Hospital.

He is under close medical observation and responding well to treatment.” Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also addressed the recent rise in cases, emphasising that although there has been a steady increase in infections over the past 20 days, most cases remain mild, particularly among children, and no Covid-related deaths have been reported in Karnataka in 2025.

In light of these developments, the Karnataka government released a detailed advisory on May 25, aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. The advisory underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Karnataka Government’s Latest Covid-19 Advisory

• Mask-Wearing: Pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, people with co-morbidities, and those with weakened immune systems are strongly advised to wear face masks in crowded and enclosed spaces to reduce transmission risk.
• Hand Hygiene: All citizens are urged to practise strict hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, especially after touching public surfaces.
• Prompt Testing: Individuals experiencing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) or any Covid-19 related symptoms should seek testing immediately to enable early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing further spread.
• Avoid Crowding: The public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary crowding and maintain physical distancing wherever possible, particularly in markets, public transport, and social gatherings.
• Vaccination and Boosters: Although not explicitly stated in the advisory, health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination and booster doses as the most effective defence against severe illness.
• Community Cooperation: The government calls for collective responsibility and cooperation from all citizens to adhere to these guidelines, highlighting that community solidarity is essential to control the virus’s spread.
• Monitoring Variants: The advisory also reflects concerns about the emergence of the JN.1 Omicron subvariant and its descendants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are believed to be contributing to the current rise in cases, though hospitalisations and severe outcomes remain low.

Covid-19 Trends in Karnataka and Regional Context

Karnataka has recorded 35 active Covid-19 cases so far this year, with a significant majority—32 cases—located in Bengaluru. Among these are three infants, including the recently diagnosed nine-month-old, highlighting the virus’s reach across all age groups.

Health experts attribute the increase to seasonal factors, increased social interactions following relaxation of restrictions, and the spread of newer Omicron subvariants. Similar trends have been observed in neighbouring states such as Kerala, which has reported over 270 cases in May alone, prompting comparable health advisories.

Despite the rise, officials maintain that the majority of infections remain mild, with no reported deaths in the state this year. The government’s proactive advisory aims to prevent a surge that could overwhelm healthcare infrastructure, especially as the monsoon season approaches, which often complicates respiratory illnesses.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The diagnosis of Covid-19 in a nine-month-old infant is a poignant reminder that the pandemic’s impact continues to affect even the most vulnerable members of our society. Karnataka’s swift and transparent response, coupled with the recent government advisory, demonstrates a commendable commitment to public health and safety.

At The Logical Indian, we believe that managing the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 requires not only medical vigilance but also empathy, kindness, and community solidarity. It is crucial to support families affected by the virus without stigma or fear, promote accurate and timely information, and encourage responsible behaviour that protects everyone, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

As Karnataka navigates this phase of rising cases, how can we, as a society, foster a culture of care and collective responsibility that ensures the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable while maintaining social harmony?