Covid-19 resurgence: Cases cross 250 mark in India, Kerala records highest numbers; experts cite humidity as cause

Amid the fears of a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and even China, the Ministry of Health conducted a review meeting on Monday to understand the current situation in the country. Currently, the situation is reported to be 'under control', with just 257 active cases reported across the country as of May 19, 2025.

The review meeting was chaired by the Director General of Health Services, and the expert meeting included officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

A report by PTI: ¡°Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required.¡± The meeting was followed by reports of an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, which is linked to new Omicron subvariants like JN.1 and its descendants.

Credit: PTI

Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu report the most cases

Talking about the number of cases in India, since May 12, Kerala has reported the highest number of cases (69), followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34).

While other states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim, have witnessed low single-digit case counts.

Why is Kerala the hotspot of COVID-19 cases

With Kerala reporting the highest number of cases, why is it the hotspot of COVID-19 every time? Kerala is experiencing a higher number of COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the JN.1 Omicron subvariant. Some foreign travellers visit Kerala and travel widely across various districts and are later found to be infected with COVID-19. Since COVID-19 infection is transmitted from one person to another, the cases are surging in Kerala, says Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Intensivist, Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist and sleep disorders specialist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.

But does the climate in Kerala have a role to play? Is it another question? Dr. Chafle clarifies, ¡°Humidity and fluctuating temperatures are certainly causing weak immunity in people, making them prone to Covid-19 infection.¡±

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China ?? Hit by New COVID Surge Driven by Omicron XDV and NB.1.8.1 Variants Hospitals Overwhelmed, Beijing Warns of Delayed Response pic.twitter.com/rV94kHq3T3

¡ª SARS?CoV?2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) May 20, 2025

Symptoms and preventive measures

The virus is transmitted via coming in contact with the respiratory droplets of one who is infected through coughing and sneezing, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. ¡°If you are someone who is in a higher risk category, or you stay in a crowded area or exhibit symptoms, you must wear a mask. Also, get yourself checked immediately with the doctor if you have a viral respiratory infection and take precautions appropriately if you are in a high-risk group or see a spike in cases,¡± suggests Dr Divya Joshi, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.

¡°Avoid travelling to hot spots in Kerala. Masks should be made compulsory again in India for everyone,¡± advises Dr. Chafle.

Symptoms of JN. 1 variant of COVID-19

• Dry cough
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhoea

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