**New Covid-19 Variants Detected in India Amid Rising Cases**
As new Covid-19 infections appear to be increasing in several Indian cities, the country has identified two new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, according to recent data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog). The NB.1.8.1 variant was first detected in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of the LF.7 variant were reported in Gujarat in May.
Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies both LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 as Variants Under Monitoring, rather than Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. However, these variants are believed to be contributing to a surge in Covid-19 cases in China and other parts of Asia. In India, the predominant variant remains JN.1, which accounts for 53% of tested samples, followed by BA.2 at 26% and other Omicron sublineages at 20%.
While the WHO assesses NB.1.8.1 as posing a low global public health risk, it features spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I—that may enhance transmissibility and immune evasion compared to earlier variants. As of May 19, India reported 257 active Covid-19 cases. A review meeting led by the Director General of Health Services, with input from experts at the National Centre for Disease Control, ICMR, and other health organizations, was recently convened to evaluate the evolving situation.
In the last 24 hours, Delhi recorded 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four, Telangana confirmed one, and a nine-month-old in Bengaluru tested positive, reflecting a gradual increase over the past 20 days. Kerala alone reported 273 cases in May. Recent Covid-related deaths include an 84-year-old patient with comorbidities in Bengaluru and a 21-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis in Maharashtra.
**Maharashtra’s Covid-19 Situation**
From January to date, Maharashtra has conducted 7,144 tests, resulting in 257 positive cases. In the past two days, 93 new infections were reported, with Mumbai seeing the highest numbers: 47 cases, followed by Pune with 30, Navi Mumbai with 7, Thane with 3, and Nagpur with 6. The state currently has 166 active Covid-19 patients. Since January, Mumbai has recorded 213 cases, with a notable increase in May (207 cases). Most patients are experiencing mild symptoms. Maharashtra has reported four Covid-related deaths this year, all involving patients with serious underlying health conditions.
**Karnataka’s Covid-19 Update**
On Saturday, five new Covid-19 cases were reported in Karnataka, with Bengaluru accounting for 32 of the state’s 38 active cases. An 84-year-old patient with comorbidities died at Aster Hospital in Whitefield after testing positive on May 17. The Union Health Secretary reviewed the national situation on Saturday, noting that cases have primarily been reported from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
As the situation continues to evolve, health authorities are closely monitoring the emergence of new variants and the overall Covid-19 landscape in India.
**FAQ**
**What are the new Covid-19 variants detected in India?**
India has identified two new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are currently classified as Variants Under Monitoring by the WHO.
