COVID cases rise in parts of India, but symptoms remain mild; Govt on high alert: ICMR
New Delhi, May 26, 2025: India is witnessing a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, but health authorities assure the public that the current infections remain mild, resembling symptoms of the Omicron strain.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that while cases are increasing in some parts of the country, particularly in southern and western India, the variants currently in circulation — LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 — are subvariants of Omicron and show no signs of increased severity.
Speaking to ANI, ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl stated that the government is focusing on three key factors:
- Transmission trends and whether cases are rising rapidly.
- Immune evasion, i.e., whether the virus is bypassing natural or vaccine-induced immunity.
- Severity of illness, which so far remains low.
Dr. Bahl emphasized that there is no need for public panic, but urged caution for individuals with cancer or other immunocompromised conditions.He added that surveillance is ongoing to better understand the cause of the recent case surge and assess if current vaccines are still effective.
The government has platforms ready for rapid vaccine development should a more dangerous variant arise, and preparations are underway to ensure a swift response if needed.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while advising the general public to remain calm, practice hygiene, and stay updated on official health advisories.