COVID-19 Cases Spike 10x in 10 Days Across India: Should You Be Concerned?

India has seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, with active infections jumping from 257 on May 22 to 3,395 by June 1, according to official figures.

In the past 24 hours, 685 new cases and four deaths have been reported—one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Kerala leads with 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra (467) and Delhi (375). Other states like Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are also witnessing increased infections.

The surge is linked to new Omicron subvariants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. These variants spread more easily and can partially evade immunity but are not more severe, according to a WHO advisory stating they are “under monitoring, not concern.”

Symptoms remain mild for most: low-grade fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue, similar to common flu. Most patients are recovering at home. The recent deaths involved individuals with chronic illnesses or recent surgeries, emphasizing risks for vulnerable groups.

Despite the rise, health authorities urge people to stay calm and continue following safety measures.