According to recent data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), India has detected cases of two emerging COVID-19 variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These findings come amid a gradual increase in COVID-19 infections in several parts of the country. The INSACOG data specifically revealed one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Tamil Nadu during April, and four cases of the LF.7 variant in Gujarat in May.

These variants are currently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Variants Under Monitoring, rather than Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. Nevertheless, these strains are reportedly responsible for driving recent spikes in COVID-19 infections in China and other parts of Asia. The NB.1.8.1 variant carries specific mutations in the spike protein—such as A435S, V445H, and T478I—which suggest it may have increased transmissibility and the ability to evade immunity, although the WHO currently assesses its global public health risk as low.

In the broader context of India's COVID-19 variant landscape, the most common variant remains JN.1, which accounts for 53% of the sequenced samples, followed by BA.2 and other Omicron sublineages. As of May 19, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Despite relatively low overall numbers, several regions have shown localized increases in cases. The national capital Delhi reported 23 new COVID-19 infections recently, while Andhra Pradesh logged four new cases, Telangana confirmed one, and a nine-month-old child in Bengaluru tested positive amidst a steady rise in cases over the last three weeks. Kerala has been a significant hotspot, with 273 cases reported in May alone.

Maharashtra’s Thane city has seen a recent cluster of COVID-19 cases, with 10 new infections detected over the last three days. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has urged hospitals and health workers to stay alert and maintain readiness. According to a TMC release, these patients are exhibiting mild symptoms and are undergoing treatment at home, signaling a less severe illness profile.

To ensure readiness for any potential surge, Thane’s health authorities have maintained adequate stocks of medicines and COVID-19 testing kits at health centres. A 19-bed dedicated ward for COVID-19 patients has been established at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, with RT-PCR testing facilities in place to diagnose suspected cases swiftly.

Hospital superintendent Dr. Aniruddha Malgaonkar confirmed the infrastructure and resources are sufficient for handling current and potential future cases. The civic administration, led by TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao, continues to monitor the situation closely and has reassured the public to remain calm and adhere to recommended precautionary measures.

At the national level, a recent meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services brought together experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other leading health institutions to assess the evolving COVID-19 situation. This multi-institutional review underscored the need for continued vigilance, testing, and public health preparedness, especially in the wake of new variant detections.

The detection of NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants highlights the ongoing evolution of the coronavirus and the importance of genomic surveillance efforts like INSACOG in tracking these changes. While the current risk to the public remains low, health authorities urge continued adherence to hygiene protocols, vaccination, and early testing to mitigate any potential outbreaks.

The evolving COVID-19 situation in India demonstrates the delicate balance of managing emerging variants and localized outbreaks while maintaining public confidence in health systems. Continued genomic monitoring and readiness at state and municipal levels remain critical in ensuring that any future waves can be identified and managed promptly.

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