COVID-19 Cases In India Today: State-Wise Breakdown Of Active Infections

India has recorded a notable increase in COVID-19 infections, with 753 new cases reported in the past week. The total number of active cases has now reached 1010, as per data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 27.

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 335 new infections recorded over the past week. This has taken the state’s total active caseload to 430. Maharashtra follows with 154 fresh cases, pushing its active tally to 210. Delhi, which reported 99 new infections in the past week, now has 104 active cases.

Gujarat has registered 83 active cases, including 76 reported in the last seven days. Tamil Nadu currently has 69 active cases, although only three were added this week. Karnataka’s active caseload has risen to 47, with 34 new cases.

In Uttar Pradesh, all 15 current active cases have been detected within the past week. Rajasthan and West Bengal account for double-digit caseloads, reporting 13 and 12 active cases, respectively.

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.

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.