June 15, 2025 – India is facing a new wave of COVID-19 cases, with the number of sick people jumping to 7,400. Kerala and Gujarat are seeing the most cases, making everyone worried. New types of the virus, called NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”) and LF.7, are spreading fast. Hospitals are getting ready, and people are being asked to wear masks again. Here’s why Kerala and Gujarat are on high alert and what it means for India.
Cases Are Rising Fast
India’s health department says there are 7,400 active COVID-19 cases as of June 14, up from just 257 last month. Kerala has the most cases at 2,450 (one-third of the total), and Gujarat has 1,200. Other states like Maharashtra (850 cases) and Delhi (700) are also seeing more cases, but Kerala and Gujarat are the main hotspots. In the last 24 hours, 800 new cases were reported, and eight people died, including three in Kerala and two in Gujarat. Most cases are mild, but the quick rise is a big concern.
In Kerala, cases shot up from 69 in mid-May to 430 by May’s end. Places like Kottayam (120 cases), Ernakulam (100), and Thiruvananthapuram (80) are hit hard. In Gujarat, cities like Ahmedabad (300 cases this month) and Surat are seeing a spike, compared to just 10 cases a month earlier. Scientists say the new variants NB.1.8.1 (first found in Tamil Nadu) and LF.7 (seen in Gujarat) are causing this wave, along with the older JN.1 variant.
Why Are Kerala and Gujarat Hit Hard?
Kerala has a great health system and tests a lot, so it finds more cases than other states. “Kerala catches cases because we test more,” says Dr. Anjali Menon, a health expert from Thiruvananthapuram. The state has lots of tourists and people traveling abroad, especially to Gulf countries, which brings new variants. Crowded markets and festivals might also be spreading the virus, as some people on X are saying.
In Gujarat, busy cities like Ahmedabad and Surat are seeing more cases because people are moving around a lot and not wearing masks. “We’re seeing cases in offices and buses,” says Dr. Vikram Shah from Ahmedabad. Gujarat is close to Maharashtra, another state with many cases, and its big markets make it easy for the virus to spread.
Another reason is that many people’s vaccines are not working as well anymore. Most Indians got their shots, but only a few got the booster shot for new variants. “The protection from vaccines wears off after six months,” says Dr. Shah. The new variants can infect people even if they had COVID before.
What Are These New Variants?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are new types of the Omicron virus. They spread faster but don’t make people as sick as older versions. NB.1.8.1 was first found in China and is now in 22 countries. LF.7 started in Gujarat. People get symptoms like sore throat, fever, cough, tiredness, and sometimes nausea or headaches. These symptoms are mild but can last longer.
“These variants spread quickly in crowded places without masks,” says Dr. Rajiv Behl from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Scientists are testing samples to track these variants, and they know NB.1.8.1 is in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while LF.7 is mostly in Gujarat.
What Are the States Doing?
In Kerala, Health Minister Veena George is asking people to wear masks in hospitals and avoid crowds, especially older people or those with health problems. The state has set up 500 beds for COVID patients, tested hospitals for readiness, and is doing 10,000 tests daily. “We’re not scared, but we’re ready,” says George. Doctors are following rules to catch cases early and keep mild cases at home.
Gujarat is on high alert in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. They’ve kept 1,000 of their 5,000 COVID beds ready and checked oxygen supplies. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is making sure hospitals have enough equipment, like 200 oxygen plants and 1,000 ventilators. The state is testing people with coughs or fevers to stop the spread.
The central government is helping both states. They tested hospitals across India on June 5 to make sure they’re ready. They’re also pushing for more people to get booster shots and are telling everyone to wear masks and wash hands.
What People Are Saying
On X, people in Kerala and Gujarat are worried. Someone from Kochi posted, “Masks again? It’s like 2021!” Another person from Ahmedabad said, “No one wears masks in malls—Gujarat, wake up!” Doctors say people are too relaxed about COVID, thinking it’s gone for good. “It’s here to stay,” says Dr. Menon. “We need to wear masks when cases rise.” Some fake news on X claims the new variants are very dangerous, but doctors say they’re not.
Kerala’s hotels are worried because tourists are canceling trips. In Gujarat, small shops in Ahmedabad’s markets fear fewer customers. Both states want to keep businesses open but also keep people safe.
What’s Next?
Experts think cases might peak by the end of June, like what happened in Singapore last month. “If we act now, we can control it,” says Dr. Behl. The ICMR is studying the new variants, and results will come by July. More people are asking for booster shots, with hospitals seeing a 20% rise in requests.
The WHO says India needs to keep testing and vaccinating to stay ahead. India has 1,000 testing centers, which helps, but rural areas need better hospitals. “Kerala and Gujarat are a warning,” says Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, a health expert. “We need to plan for the long term.”
For now, Kerala and Gujarat are working hard to stop the virus. As one X user said, “COVID’s back, but we’re stronger!” India is ready to fight this wave with lessons from the past.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 11:35 pm by Mohammad Hussain Shaik | Published by: Mohammad Hussain Shaik on Sunday, June 15, 2025 11:34 pm | News Categories: India
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