COVID-19 Cases Rise to 2,710 in India; Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi Among Worst Hit

New Delhi, 31 May, 2025 — India has recorded 2,710 active COVID-19 cases as of May 31, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi emerging as the worst-affected states. The surge, attributed to new Omicron sub-variants, has occurred after months of low transmission, raising concerns among health authorities. The country saw a five-fold rise in infections within a week, and seven COVID-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala leads with 1,147 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 424 and Delhi with 294. Gujarat has reported 223 cases, while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have each recorded 148. West Bengal has registered 116 cases, and Mizoram has reported two cases after a gap of seven months.

The recent spike in infections is believed to be driven by two new Omicron sub-variants — LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 — although JN.1 remains the dominant strain in the country. The World Health Organisation has not yet classified these new variants as either Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest.

Despite the rise in cases, most infections have been reported as mild. The Health Ministry has urged citizens not to panic, emphasising that hospitalisations remain low. Officials have noted that the high number of cases in Kerala may be due to more widespread testing.

Seven deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours — two in Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. This marks the first COVID-related fatality in Delhi during the current wave. The nationwide death toll for 2025 has now reached 22.

In response to the surge, state governments have instructed hospitals to ensure adequate availability of beds, oxygen supplies, testing kits, and vaccines. The elderly and individuals with co-morbidities are advised to wear masks in crowded areas as a precaution.

Common symptoms reported include fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue, largely resembling seasonal flu. Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely while stressing the importance of vaccination and early testing.

Source: India Today

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