India is witnessing a mild rise in COVID-19 cases, with 164 new infections reported between May 12 and May 19, 2025, raising the active caseload to 257. The increase is mainly seen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Health authorities have intensified monitoring and precautionary measures, holding review meetings involving the Directorate General of Health Services, National Centre for Disease Control, and Indian Council of Medical Research.
Officials state that most cases are mild, with no unusual hospitalisations or deaths, and the situation remains under control despite similar surges in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore.
States on Alert Amid Mild Surge, Mumbai Reports Notable Increase
Kerala leads with 95 active cases, followed by Tamil Nadu (66) and Maharashtra (56), with Mumbai alone reporting 95 new cases in May—a sharp rise compared to earlier months. At least 16 patients are hospitalised in Mumbai, mainly as a precaution, with authorities testing all patients presenting influenza-like illness or severe acute respiratory infection for COVID-19.
Pune has reserved 50 hospital beds despite currently having no active cases. Dr Nina Borade, Health Chief at Pune Municipal Corporation, said, “We had only one patient in May—an 87-year-old from Manjari—who has since fully recovered.” Officials confirm that the majority of new infections are mild, with no spike in severe disease or mortality.
Expert Advice: What Should the Public Do?
Health experts across India and globally are urging the public not to panic but to remain vigilant as the JN.1 variant drives a mild COVID-19 surge. Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director at Max Healthcare, explains, “The current JN.1 variant is not more severe than past variants but is more transmissible.
That’s why it’s causing concern across Asia.” He emphasises that while symptoms are generally mild—such as dry cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat, fever, and fatigue—high-risk groups like the elderly and those with chronic illnesses should exercise extra caution
JN.1 Variant Drives Current Rise, Regional Context and Response
The recent surge is linked to the JN.1 variant, a descendant of Omicron BA.2.86, and its subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are also causing increases in Singapore and Hong Kong. JN.1 is highly transmissible due to mutations enhancing its ability to infect human cells, making it about 1.5 times more contagious than previous dominant strains like XBB.1.5.
Indian health authorities convened a review meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services to assess the situation, concluding that the rise is a normal seasonal surge with no indication of increased severity or hospital strain. The Union Health Ministry continues close surveillance and urges the public to maintain COVID-appropriate behaviour.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This mild resurgence underscores the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the need for sustained vigilance combined with empathy. While the health system is managing the situation well and most cases remain mild, it is essential to support those affected and healthcare workers with kindness and collective responsibility.
The Logical Indian encourages readers to stay informed, practise preventive measures, and engage in constructive dialogue to foster community resilience. How can we, as a society, maintain a balance between necessary caution and compassion as COVID-19 continues to evolve?
