New COVID-19 variants

As of late May 2025, several new COVID-19 variants are circulating globally, including in India. While most cases remain mild, health authorities are closely monitoring these variants due to their increased transmissibility and potential impact on public health.The Times of India

Key Variants to Know

1. JN.1 and Its Subvariants (LF.7, NB.1.8.1)

• Origin: Descendants of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage.
• Symptoms: Similar to earlier Omicron strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Severity: Generally mild, but can be more concerning for individuals with underlying health conditions.
• Spread in India: Cases reported in multiple states, including Gujarat and Uttarakhand. The Times of India+7Indiatimes+7The Economic Times+7The Times of India

2. NB.1.8.1

• Status: Classified as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by health authorities.
• Symptoms: Typical COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
• Precautions: Standard preventive measures are advised. The Times of India+1Brown Health+1The Economic Times+3Indiatimes+3The Times of India+3

3. FLiRT Variants (KP.2, KP.1.1) and LB.1

• Origin: Subvariants of Omicron, characterized by specific mutations in the spike protein.
• Symptoms: Consistent with earlier COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell.
• Severity: No evidence suggests increased severity compared to previous variants. Indiatimes+4Yale Medicine+4The Times of India+4The Times of India+5The Times of India+5HealthDay+5Brown Health+3The Financial Express+3CBS News+3

Current Situation in India

In Delhi, a recent surge in COVID-19 cases has been linked to a new variant presenting symptoms similar to viral fever. As of now, 104 active cases have been reported, with health officials emphasizing that the situation is under control and advising the public to remain calm while following standard precautions. The Economic Times

Recommended Precautions

• Vaccination: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
• Hygiene: Maintain good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• Masking: Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
• Monitoring: Be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.HealthDay+4AOL+4The Times of India+4

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and recommend adherence to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of these variants.The Economic Tim