New Covid variants detected in India, symptoms mild like viral fever

India has detected two new Covid-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, even as the country sees a gradual rise in active cases, now crossing the 1,000-mark. Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala are currently reporting the highest numbers.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Jain sought to calm public concerns, saying the new variants are presenting symptoms similar to common cold and cough, and behaving more like a viral infection. “There is no reason to be afraid. So far, the symptoms are mild, and we are fully equipped,” he said.

According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), the variants are not classified as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest by the World Health Organization. Instead, they fall under the "Variants Under Monitoring" category.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed the reassurance, saying hospitals have been alerted and necessary advisories have been issued. “We are prepared for any emergency, but there is no need to panic,” she said.

Kerala reported the highest number of new cases with 335 infections, followed by Maharashtra with 153 and Delhi with 99. The total active cases in these states now stand at 430, 209, and 104, respectively.