26 May 2025 • India has reported its first case of COVID-19 subvariant NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu and four cases of LF.7 in Gujarat, per INSACOG. Both are WHO-designated Variants Under Monitoring, linked to rising cases in Asia.

NB.1.8.1 carries mutations indicating higher transmissibility, though its global risk is considered low. JN.1 remains the dominant strain in India (53%), followed by BA.2 (26%).

As of May 19, active cases stood at 257, with Kerala alone logging 273 cases in May. Local spikes in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bengaluru have prompted official review.

Source: The Hindu | Read Full Story