Covid-19 Cases Rise 2025: Should You Be Worried?

Covid-19 cases rise 2025: Covid-19 cases are resurging in parts of India and Southeast Asia, however health experts say the situation is still under control. A new subvariant of the virus has been reported, but there is currently no evidence of increased severity or widespread risk. This is what the latest numbers show and why this increase should be seen as part of a known pattern.

Where are COVID cases increasing?

According to the Health Ministry, most of the new Covid-19 cases in India were reported from Kerala (43%), followed by Maharashtra (21%), Delhi (10%), Gujarat (8%) and Tamil Nadu (7%). As of this week, the country has had more than 1,000 active cases, with only three states reporting more than 100 active cases.
Outside India, countries such as Singapore are also seeing increases. Singapore reported 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3, an increase from 11,100 the previous week. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted widespread increases in cases in South-East Asia.

What is being blamed for the new increase?

According to health officials, it is not surprising that cases have increased. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, has effectively transitioned into an endemic virus – meaning that has now been part of a normal seasonal circulation pattern, like influenza.

Many factors contribute to occasional signs of increases:

Epidemic fatigue: Protectiveness of vaccination or prior infection wanes over time.

New variants: Mutations such as NB.1.8.1 recently detected in Tamil Nadu could evade immune detection or transmit better.

Seasons: Respiratory viruses thrive in certain circumstances. The ongoing increase of flu-like illnesses in India suggest some successful evolution from viral parasites.

Reduced testing: Less surveillance means outbreaks are identified later than before.

Vulnerable populations. Older persons and those with a comorbidity experience greater risk when surge-like episodes or increases are temporary.

What About Severity?

Notably, there are no signals that current variants are causing more severe disease. The Health Ministry has not mentioned increased hospitalisations. Major hospital systems have observed hospitalisation rates remain extremely low, even among patients hospitalised, many of them with comorbidities or immunocompromised.

Recently Maharashtra (3) Kerala (2) and Karnataka (1) reported death in the last report period, but officials were still trying to determine whether Covid-19 was the reported cause.

Which Variants Exist?

Currently, WHO is monitoring 8 variants globally:

• One Variant of Interest (VOI): JN.1 
• Seven Variants Under Monitoring (VUM)

The JN.1 lineage is still the dominant variant, while two of its variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8, are responsible for a significant number of sequenced cases in Singapore. In India, most recent sample from 22/09/2023, were BA.2 or JN.1 variants. These variants are not associated with increased severity.

What Actions Should You Take?

While the increase in cases is likely not a cause for concern, it is important to continue implementing preventative measures in general, but for those individuals who are at greater risk, they are even more important still.

Follow these further recommendations:

• Wear a mask in busy/poorly ventilated areas.

• Stay at home if you feel unwell with a sore throat/fever/headache.

• Practice good hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly and wash your hands regularly, and avoid those with symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids and monitor your symptoms.

• In case of severe disease, pulse oximeters should be used to monitor the level of oxygen saturation in your blood. Rule of thumb is go to hospital if your levels are below 93 %.

• Avoid taking antibiotics unless instructed by a physician.

For those on the older side (60 years of age or older), or have a health condition (e.g., diabetes, heart issues) or your immune system is compromised, should be cautious but also should follow recommendations made by the AIIMS/ICMR-COVID-19 Task Force.

Preparing for the Future: A Plausible Scenario

Current trends point to Covid-19 behaving more like a seasonal virus than a global pandemic. As testing expands and more information comes in, public health officials will have a healthier idea of how to manage local outbreaks.

While this rise may seem distressing, experts agree: it’s just part of the new normal. Vigilance, responsible behavior, and prompt action are needed to keep safe.

To keep up with health news, make sure to follow health ministry, WHO or other reputable medical sources.