COVID-19 Surge in India 2025: What You Need to Know

Introduction

As of June 2025, India is experiencing a noticeable resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with active cases surpassing 6,000, driven primarily by states like Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra. This blog post explores the factors behind the surge, the role of new variants, current symptoms, and the measures being taken to manage the situation, offering a clear picture of the evolving public health landscape.

The Current Situation

According to the latest data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India recorded 5,755 active COVID-19 cases as of June 7, 2025, with 391 new infections reported in the past 24 hours. Kerala leads with 1,679 active cases, followed by Delhi (592) and Maharashtra (526). Other states like Gujarat (822), West Bengal (538), and Karnataka (436) are also seeing significant numbers. The surge marks a sharp increase from 257 active cases on May 19, 2025, reflecting a rapid uptick over just a few weeks. Since January 2025, 28 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing health conditions, though most cases remain mild and manageable at home.

Factors Driving the Surge

Several factors are contributing to this resurgence:

1. New Variants: The surge is linked to Omicron subvariants, notably JN.1, LF.7, NB.1.8.1, and XFG. NB.1.8.1, first detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025, and LF.7, identified in Gujarat, are under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Variants Under Monitoring. These variants exhibit higher transmissibility but are not yet classified as Variants of Concern due to their low severity.
2. Waning Immunity: Immunity from vaccines administered over a year ago is decreasing, leaving individuals more susceptible to reinfection. Only 25% of eligible individuals in India have received booster doses, exacerbating vulnerability.
3. Relaxed Public Behavior: Reduced adherence to preventive measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, combined with increased social gatherings, has facilitated viral spread.
4. Seasonal Factors: Changes in weather and air quality may be influencing the spread of respiratory infections, though this surge is notable for occurring in summer rather than winter, unlike previous waves.

Symptoms and Severity

The symptoms of the current variants are generally mild, often resembling the common cold or seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Mild cough
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Nausea and gastrointestinal issues

Experts advise testing with rapid antigen or RT-PCR tests if symptoms persist beyond 3-4 days. While most cases are mild and do not require hospitalization, fatalities have occurred among vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and those with comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues. For instance, recent deaths in Delhi included a five-month-old infant with multiple health issues and an 87-year-old immunocompromised man.

Regional Breakdown

• Kerala: With 1,679 active cases, Kerala is the epicenter, reporting 127 new cases on June 7 alone. Districts like Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ernakulam are particularly affected. The state has mandated masks in hospitals and intensified surveillance.
• Delhi: The capital has 592 active cases, with 105 new infections reported recently. Two deaths were recorded on June 5, both involving patients with severe comorbidities. The government has issued advisories for hospital readiness and daily case reporting.
• Maharashtra: With 526 active cases, Maharashtra has seen 86 new cases in a single day, particularly in Mumbai and Pune. Seven deaths have been reported since January, mostly among elderly patients with chronic conditions.
• Other States: Gujarat (822 cases), West Bengal (538 cases), and Karnataka (436 cases) are also seeing rises. Smaller outbreaks have been reported in states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and even Himachal Pradesh, which recorded its first case of 2025.

Government and Health Authority Response

The Indian government and state authorities are taking proactive measures:

• Testing and Surveillance: States are increasing RT-PCR testing, with Delhi conducting 1,200 tests daily. Positive samples are sent for genomic sequencing to track variants.
• Hospital Preparedness: States like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have ensured adequate beds, oxygen, and ventilators. The Brihan Mumbai Corporation (BMC) has activated COVID wards and ICU facilities.
• Public Health Advisories: Mask-wearing is encouraged in hospitals and crowded places, and citizens are urged to maintain hand hygiene and avoid unnecessary gatherings. Kerala has mandated masks for symptomatic individuals, while Karnataka advises testing for Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases.
• Vaccination Push: Experts are emphasizing booster doses, particularly for vulnerable groups, as uptake remains low. The government continues to monitor the situation through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

Global Context

This surge is not unique to India. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand are also reporting increases driven by JN.1 and its subvariants. Singapore saw 14,200 cases in early May, while Hong Kong reported 1,042 cases with 31 deaths. The global rise underscores the virus’s ability to spread year-round, challenging earlier assumptions of winter peaks.

What You Can Do

To stay safe during this surge:

• Get Tested: If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue, take a rapid antigen or RT-PCR test.
• Isolate: Stay home and isolate in a well-ventilated room if symptomatic, and inform close contacts.
• Wear Masks: Use masks in crowded indoor settings or if you have respiratory symptoms.
• Stay Vaccinated: Consider getting a booster dose, especially if you’re elderly or have comorbidities.
• Practice Hygiene: Regular handwashing and avoiding crowded places can reduce transmission risk.

Conclusion

While the current COVID-19 surge in India is concerning, the situation remains under control, with most cases being mild and manageable. The emergence of new variants and waning immunity highlight the need for continued vigilance, particularly among vulnerable populations. By following public health guidelines and staying informed, individuals can help mitigate the spread and protect their communities. Stay updated through reliable sources like the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or WHO for the latest developments.

Sources: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), World Health Organization (WHO), and various news reports.