Covid-19 cases rise in Telangana; experts call for variant surveillance

Covid-19 cases are rising in Telangana and across several Indian states. Experts stress the need for variant surveillance to track Omicron sub-strains like JN.1. Despite mild symptoms, the surge underscores the urgency for testing and coordinated public health action.

Hyderabad: New Covid-19 positive cases continue to be reported from multiple Indian states, with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday reporting two more infections in Telangana. The overall caseload across the country has now reached 4,000.

Although most current cases are mild, public health experts believe Telangana must initiate efforts to conduct testing and collect samples to identify the SARS-CoV-2 variants presently in circulation.

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Such an exercise is vital to determine the prevailing virus strains and to understand their evolution in order to prepare for potential changes in severity and transmissibility. As of now, a coordinated effort to offer free Covid-19 diagnostic tests and conduct genomic surveillance is yet to begin in Telangana.

The major states reporting a significant surge in COVID-19 infections over the past fortnight include Kerala (1,435), Maharashtra (506), Delhi (483), Gujarat (338), West Bengal (331), Karnataka (253), Tamil Nadu (189), Rajasthan (69), Uttar Pradesh (157), Puducherry (38), and Andhra Pradesh (30). Four COVID-related deaths have been reported. Since January 1, 2025, the country has recorded a total of 32 COVID-19-related deaths.

The rising number of active infections, along with reported deaths, is a matter of concern. However, the Union Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and public health experts from Telangana have stated that most cases remain mild and there is no immediate cause for panic.

The current surge is being attributed to the circulation of various Omicron sub-variants, especially JN.1, which remains the dominant strain and accounts for 50% of new infections. Other sub-variants such as NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are also under observation and are suspected to be contributing to the rise in infections. These variants are believed to be more transmissible, according to senior doctors.