Dear Editor
COVID-19 became more active from end of April of this year 2025. Based on previous trends, and horrific memories of Second Wave expect High activity of COVID-19 to at least for the next few weeks Gradual rise in cases has been observed in India Now 5754 cases over the past 36 days.
Cases in India as on 6th jne
India reports 5754 active RT PCR positive cases as of june 06, 2025, mainly in Delhi ( 665 cases ) in Kerala (1806), Maharashtra,(577) and Tamil Nadu(194) , with a 12% positivity rate in Maharashtra, In west Bengal (622 cases) and india reported 69 death all over india. Death happened to infant and older individual (69+)Presently In India, the predominant variant is JN.1, accounting for 53 % of tested samples, while BA.2 follows with 26%, and other Omicron sub lineages make up 20 %
The JN.1 variant is.descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86, not a lethal variant. Doesn’t cause serious illness unless immunosupressed According to INSACOG, one case of NB.1.8.1 identified in April in Tamil Nadu, four cases of LF.7 detected in Gujarat in May ’25
What is JN1, variant Covid 19
JN1 is actually a subvariant of the Omicron, evolving from the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola. It was first identified in Luxembourg in 2023 and since has gradually spread to other parts of the world, and now India. JN.1 is said to be more transmissible than previous variants due to specific mutations in its spike protein, which helps it binds to humans easily. However, as of now, there is no data to prove that it causes any serious illness.it’s su variants are NB.1.8.1: First detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025.
LF.7: Four cases confirmed in Gujarat in May 2025.
Are new Variants Risky?
As of May 2025, WHO classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 sub variants as “Variants Under Monitoring”, not as “Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest”.
As per WHO additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level,”.
Vaccination status
Currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. In India, 58.8% are fully vaccinated, 70% have one dose. Boosters may be considered to counter variants like XEC and LP.1.8.1.
World Scenario*
**Situation in Hong Kong and Singapore*
Localized surges include Singapore (14,200 cases for the week ending May 3, 2025), Hong Kong (1,000 weekly cases by May 10), and Thailand (91,000+ cases).
Strains and New Variants:*
Omicron sub-variants, particularly JN.1 and its descendants (e.g., LF.7, NB.1.8, XEC, LP.8.1), continue to dominate globally.XEC, first identified in Germany (June 2024), and LP.8.1 are noted for potential increased transmissibility due to spike protein mutations.
Number of Cases world wise :
-Global case reporting is inconsistent,
– WHO notes 34% of countries reported cases in early 2025, with test positivity at 5% by February.
Most cases are mild, with symptoms like cough and fatigue; severe outcomes are rare due to immunity and milder variants.Elderly and immunocompromised remain at higher risk for severe disease.
Reinfections are common due to waning immunity and increased social mixing.
*What about Vaccination? Vaccines targeting JN.1 remain effective against severe disease and hospitalization, though less so against transmission of newer variants.
*New vaccines* Zapomeran (approved in Japan, November 2023; EU, February 2025), are being rolled out.
Zapomeran, sold under the brand name Kostaive is a self-amplifying mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. It contains a self-amplifying mRNA that encodes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Self-amplifying means that the mRNA also carries instructions to make a protein called replicase which augments vaccine efficacy.

*World Health Organization (WHO) Response:*
-WHO’s TAG-CO-VAC met May 6–7, 2025, -Reviewed variant evolution and vaccine performance,
-Recommending JN.1-based vaccines.
-Urges strengthened surveillance due to gaps in case and genomic reporting;
-Emphasizes “One Health” for zoonotic risks.
-Notes rising proportions of LP.8.1 and JN.1-derived variants, with declining trends for KP.3, XEC, and LB.1.
Always better to take precautions* as special risk to doctors
-maintaining -hand hygiene,
-wear masks in hospitals or crowded placesPrefer N95 or KN95 masks for better filtration, especially if you’re in high-risk zones or traveling.
-follow respiratory hygiene
.
-Use PPE
-important to get tested if symptoms
-keep dedicated Covid-19 beds and oxygen supplies ready. Gujrat state has also resumed daily health briefings to monitor the spread of infections closely.
Reference
1)Ministry of health and family welfare govt of india Covid 19 dash board COVID-19 INDIA as on :
7 June 2025 08:00 IST (GMT+5:30
https://covid19dashboard.mohfw.gov.in/
Authors
Professor Dr Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya MD( university of Calcutta); FIC path ,WBMES ( retired ) Former Principal of Krishnanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhatjangla Palpara more, krishnanagar city , West Bengal , India
E mail prof.pranab@gmail.com

Ankhipurna Mukherjee MSW
AJM Raniganj Institute of Medical Sciences( RIMS ) Raniganj, Paschim Burdwan district ,West Bengal
E mail ankhipurna@gmail.com

Rupak Bhattacharya 7/51 purbapalli post office sodepur district 24 parganas North kolkata 110