750 new COVID Cases in India : New Omicron Variant is spreading

India is once again witnessing an uptick in COVID-19 cases with over 750 new infections reported in the past week, a concerning development that experts attribute to the spread of two newly detected Omicron sub-variants — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. Though the cases remain mild in nature, the appearance of these variants has raised fresh questions about the trajectory of the virus and the importance of ongoing vigilance.

What Are NB.1.8.1 and LF.7?

These two variants are sub-lineages of JN.1, the dominant Omicron variant that swept through India in late 2023 and early 2024. According to a detailed report by India Today, NB.1.8.1 was detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025, while LF.7 emerged in Gujarat in May 2025 with four confirmed cases.

Despite being genetically related to JN.1, both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 show mutations in their spike proteins — particularly A435S, V445H, and T478I — that could potentially enhance transmission and evade immune responses. This has prompted global health agencies to classify them as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM), not yet dangerous enough to be labeled Variants of Concern, but still worth closely observing.

Current Case Data & Spread

In recent updates from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has logged over 750 cases within 7 days, primarily from urban clusters in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi NCR. While this number is relatively low compared to earlier waves, it reflects a sharp week-over-week increase, indicating a potential rise in community transmission.

As highlighted in a report by the Times of India, these infections have so far remained mild — mostly fever, fatigue, dry cough, body aches, and sore throat — and have not overwhelmed hospitals. Most patients are recovering at home under isolation.

Should We Be Worried?

Health experts say there’s no need to panic, but the public should stay alert and informed. In an interview with NDTV, Dr. Rajeev Gupta, a virologist at AIIMS, emphasized the importance of testing, masking in public spaces, and keeping an eye out for symptoms, especially for immunocompromised individuals and senior citizens.

The Indian government has already issued a fresh advisory to all states and union territories. According to LiveMint, the Centre has asked state health departments to:

• Scale up RT-PCR testing

• Monitor for cluster outbreaks

• Reassess hospital preparedness

• Promote booster vaccine uptake for high-risk groups

Vaccination & Booster Guidance

Although vaccine immunity remains strong against severe disease, experts recommend booster shots for those who haven’t had a recent infection or booster in the past six months. The sub-variants, especially NB.1.8.1, may show immune escape capabilities, but vaccinated individuals are still significantly more protected from serious illness.

Dr. Priya Khanna, a public health specialist interviewed by Gulte, noted that these variants don’t seem to increase severity — but are possibly better at spreading, which means cases could rise rapidly if complacency sets in (Gulte article).

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s what experts and health authorities suggest for the general public:

• Wear a mask in crowded or closed spaces

• Avoid unnecessary travel if you have symptoms

• Get tested if you show signs of infection

• Isolate and inform contacts in case of a positive test

• Stay up to date with booster doses, especially for vulnerable groups

• Continue hand hygiene and ventilation in indoor settings