COVID-19 Cases In India Rise To 3,961; Check State-Wise Breakdown Of Active Infections

COVID-19 Updates: India has recorded a notable increase in COVID-19 infections, with active cases now reaching 3,961, as per data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on June 2.

Among the affected states, Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi lead with the highest number of active cases.

Kerala continues to report the highest number of active cases, with 35 new infections recorded since June 1. This has taken the state’s total active caseload to 1,435. Maharashtra follows with 21 fresh cases, pushing its active tally to 506. Delhi, which reported 47 new infections since yesterday, now has 483 active cases.

Gujarat has registered 338 active cases, followed by West Bengal with 331 active cases. West Bengal saw the second-highest spike after Delhi with 44 new cases registered since yesterday. Karnataka’s active case load has risen to 253, with 15 new cases. Tamil Nadu currently has 189 active cases.

In Uttar Pradesh, all 157 active cases have been detected recently since the rise of cases across the country.

The mortality figures have also seen a slight uptick. Maharashtra has reported three deaths, while Kerala and Karnataka have recorded two and one, respectively. Health authorities in Kerala are currently reconciling mortality data to ensure accurate reporting.

A new and highly contagious variant of COVID-19, linked to a major surge in hospitalisation in China, has been detected across multiple locations in the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the backdrop of rising case numbers, health officials have confirmed the presence of two emerging COVID-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, in the country. These strains, currently causing waves of infections in China and other parts of Asia, were detected by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a central government body.

According to NDTV, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorised both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 as “Variants Under Monitoring” rather than “Variants of Concern” or “Variants of Interest.” The NB.1.8.1 variant has shown signs of higher transmissibility and some degree of immune escape.

INSACOG data indicates that a single case of the NB.1.8.1 variant was reported in Tamil Nadu in April. Meanwhile, four cases of the LF.7 variant were detected in Gujarat earlier this May.

NDTV quoted Dr Sharad Joshi, Director & HOD of Pulmonology and Paediatric Pulmonology at Max Healthcare, who urged the public not to panic but remain cautious. “There's no need to panic, but exercising caution is essential. A couple of deaths have been reported, so can't take it lightly. It is important to practice caution,” Dr Joshi said.

He recommended wearing a mask, covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, and keeping a safe distance from others. He also suggested limiting non-essential travel, avoiding large crowds and postponing outings for now.