COVID-19 resurgence: India notices five-fold increase in cases; experts warn of high transmissibility of new variant NB.1.8.1

COVID-19 cases are seeing an upward spiral in India after spreading in Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and even China. According to the Union Health Ministry, India has recorded about 2,710 active cases, with 1,170 patients discharged. With this, India notices a five-fold increase in cases, surpassing the 1,000 mark in the week ending May 25.

So far, the country has reported seven deaths across multiple states, with comorbidities playing a significant role in most of the deaths. The rise in the number of fresh cases has raised concerns that COVID-19 is making a comeback.

Moreover, the current spread of COVID-19 is triggered by a new variant called NB.1.8.1, which first emerged in China and is now spreading across the United States.

India COVID-19 Update (30 May 2025) pic.twitter.com/wyjyuRieOM

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Is NB.1.8.1 a new variant of COVID-19 more dangerous than the old ones?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with rising proportions across the globe, while LP.8.1 is seeing a decline in cases. ¡°The LF.7 subvariant, another Omicron lineage, has turned up in many areas, including Europe and Asia. Like NB.1.8.1, LF.7 is more transmissible, and this potentially could drive a wave of cases if not kept under strict control,¡± says Dr. Bhumesh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida.

¡°Even with its quick spread, there is no significant evidence that LF.7 produces more severe illness than previous Omicron variants,¡± he adds.

However, given its capacity to partially circumvent immune protection, preliminary research and expert analysis indicate that NB.1.8.1 may present a new difficulty in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

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NB.1.8.1. Increased transmissibility is a concern

NB.1.8.1 is causing concern due to its enhanced susceptibility to infection and ability to evade the immune system. ¡°The Omicron variant NB.1.8.1 subvariant has been a cause of concern because it is more transmissible. The strain has been reported in numerous countries, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia, with a surge in cases and hospitalisations,¡± warns Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida.

Dr. Srivastava says, ¡°Although the NB.1.8.1 spreads better, it does not appear to cause more severe disease compared to other strains. But its susceptibility to evading immunity from past infection or immunisation makes it particularly concerning to vulnerable populations.¡±

Is it time to mask up again? Let¡¯s understand

Public health officials are urging individuals, especially those at higher risk, to keep current on their vaccinations to avoid the spread and potential damage of this strain. ¡°Masking is increasing again because of the transmissibility of the NB.1.8.1 Omicron subvariant, which spreads rapidly and infects despite previous immunity,¡± advises Dr. Srivastava.

"While not more sickening, its high transmissibility is filling hospitals, especially with those who are vulnerable," says Dr. Srivastava. Public health experts are calling for renewed vigilance, and masking provides an easy, effective barrier. ¡°Wearing masks in places that are congested or high-risk contributes to decreasing transmission and shields individuals who are most vulnerable, as vaccines still provide critical protection,¡± he adds.

However, according to Dr. Bhumesh, ¡°The possible surge in cases becomes a burden on the health care systems, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance, following public health recommendations, and the upkeep of immunisation programmes to stem the tide of this subvariant.¡±

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