Fresh COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana

New Delhi: Fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported from three states in India, with Kerala recording the highest number of infections so far this month. According to the latest data, Kerala, Gujarat, and Haryana have all confirmed new cases, but hospitalisation rates remain low as many patients exhibit only mild symptoms. 

Health authorities across several states have confirmed new cases, urging people to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines. Although COVID-19 cases are on the rise, most of the cases are showing mild symptoms. Doctors have advised the public to remain calm and not to panic. 

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In Kerala, a total of 182 new COVID-19 cases have been reported, making it the state with the highest number of infections this month. Among the districts, Kottayam has reported the most cases at 57, followed by Ernakulam with 34 and Thiruvananthapuram with 30, as per The News Minute news report. 

Gujarat currently has 34 active COVID-19 cases. Of these, only two patients have been hospitalised, while the rest are under home isolation due to mild symptoms like fever and cough. Ahmedabad City alone accounts for 32 of these cases, with one case each reported from rural Ahmedabad and Rajkot, according to Nilam Patel, Additional Director of Public Health for Gujarat, reports Moneycontrol. 

Haryana has reported three new COVID-19 cases- two from Gurugram and one from Faridabad. In Gurugram, a 31-year-old woman who recently returned from Mumbai, and a 62-year-old man with no travel history, tested positive and have been isolated. In Faridabad, a 28-year-old security guard from Sehtpur in the Palla area was found positive with the virus after visiting Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital for treatment of fever, cough, and cold. 

Dr JP Rajliwal of the Gurugram health department told India TV, "In Gurugram, both of the patients have been kept in home isolation. The health department is keeping an eye on them. They have been advised to stay away from their families. The health department is identifying the people who came in contact with them so that their samples can also be tested."

Similarly, Dr Rambhagat of the Faridabad district health department said that the health department has written a letter to the Safdarjung Hospital management asking them to provide the infected person's throat saliva samples. He said, "The variant will be confirmed after the report comes. At present, the young man and his entire family are healthy."

A recent article by Apollo Hospitals highlights that as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerge, impacting public health and requiring appropriate responses. One such variant, JN.1, has garnered attention due to its increased transmissibility and potential to partially evade immunity.

What Is the JN.1 Variant?

JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron, which evolved from the BA.2.86 variant (also known as Pirola). First identified in Luxembourg in August 2023, it has spread globally. In December 2023, the WHO classified JN.1 as a Variant of Interest.

This variant carries genetic mutations that make it more transmissible. However, there are no alarming mutations linked to increased severity or vaccine resistance. Experts describe JN.1 as a 'stealth variant'—it spreads quickly and quietly. With global travel accelerating, the risk of wider transmission is high.

By early 2024, JN.1 became the dominant strain in several countries, including the United States, accounting for a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases. As of May 2025, countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong were experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with JN.1 and its sublineages, including LF.7 and NB.1.8, being the dominant strains. Singapore alone saw a 28% rise in infections over one week in May 2025.

How Is JN.1 Different from Other Variants?

JN.1 spreads faster due to spike protein mutations and can partly evade immunity. However, there's no evidence it causes more severe disease. Symptoms remain similar to previous Omicron strains.

Severity and Risk

Current data suggests that while JN.1 is more transmissible, it does not cause more severe illness compared to previous variants. Most infections are mild, especially in individuals who are vaccinated or have prior immunity. However, vulnerable populations, like the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, should remain cautious. 

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