India Reports Surge in Covid-19 Cases Amid JN.1 Variant Concerns

Health authorities in India are closely monitoring a rise in Covid-19 cases, with several major cities reporting a notable increase in infections. The situation has raised concerns, particularly as the JN.1 variant continues to circulate in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. While overall case numbers remain low compared to previous waves, cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have seen a small but significant surge in infections.

Mumbai Witnesses Cluster of Cases

Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases in May, a significant increase compared to the state’s total of 106 since January, according to the Maharashtra health department. At least 16 people are currently hospitalised, with most being shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb potential transmission. Authorities are testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid-19.

Pune on Alert Despite No Active Cases

In Pune, municipal officials have reserved 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary measure. The city currently has no active Covid-19 patients in public hospitals. “We had only one patient in May — an 87-year-old from Manjari — who has since fully recovered,” said Dr Nina Borade, health chief at Pune Municipal Corporation. She added that tests are currently not being conducted in civic hospitals and said the city is awaiting updated central guidelines.

Tamil Nadu Reports Rising Cases

In Tamil Nadu, 12 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in Puducherry. In Chennai, doctors are reporting a shift: fevers previously attributed to influenza are now increasingly being linked to Covid-19. Surgeons in some hospitals have delayed critical procedures, including organ transplants and heart surgeries, due to the risk of infection.

“We are seeing a rising share of Covid-19 among viral cases,” said Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert at Gleneagles Healthcity. “Two weeks ago, 60% of our positive samples were influenza A or B. Now, it’s Covid-19.” Public health director Dr T S Selvavinayagam said there is no need for panic but urged caution in crowded spaces. “Covid-19 never truly disappeared — it has been circulating at low levels with seasonal peaks,” he said.

Karnataka and Gujarat Report New Cases

Karnataka has confirmed 16 active Covid-19 cases, according to state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. In Gujarat, seven new cases were detected in Ahmedabad on a single day — an unusual spike in a city that has averaged just one case per month over the past year. All seven patients are in home isolation, and authorities have sent their samples for genomic testing.

Experts Warn of Endemic Virus

Although the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, Covid-19 continues to circulate globally. In India, most cases remain mild, and no deaths or ICU admissions have been linked to the latest uptick. Health experts have advised the public — particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions — to resume basic precautions such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent handwashing.

Doctors also recommend influenza vaccination to reduce the risk and severity of co-infections. While the situation remains concerning, public health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and continued adherence to preventive measures.