Mumbai: COVID-19 is presently spreading intermittently. On Wednesday, the BMC announced that monitoring for ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) is continuing along with COVID-19. Individuals suspected of having COVID-19 are undergoing testing. Individuals who tested positive are receiving treatment according to protocol. Genome sequencing, which aids in detecting viral variants, tracking transmission routes, and creating effective diagnostic and treatment approaches, is being carried out for positive samples.
BMC health officials are stressing the importance of COVID-appropriate behavior. The BMC has indicated that the public health labs have the required facilities. The health department is actively observing the situation throughout the city. Several instances revealed co-infection with H3N2 and additional respiratory viruses based on genomic sequencing. The death audit committee is also examining mortality reports.
The count of active COVID cases is minimal and not concerning; however, genome sequencing is still being conducted as a precaution. Positive samples from Maharashtra are being dispatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and BJ Medical College, Pune for genome sequencing.
Mumbai's COVID statistics: January and February each had 1 case, March had no cases, April saw 4 COVID-19 cases, and there was a peak in May with 120 patients reported. Until yesterday, it was reported that 21, 46 patients had recovered.
India is experiencing a slow increase in coronavirus cases once more, with 257 active cases reported across the country as of May 19, 2025, based on official government statistics. The increase, while not concerning at this point, occurs as Singapore and Hong Kong face new COVID-19 surges caused by emerging Omicron subvariants such as JN.1.
Kerala tops the list with 69 cases, while Maharashtra has 44 and Tamil Nadu reports 34. Additional states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have also documented new infections. KEM Hospital in Mumbai has verified two fatalities linked to COVID, raising localized alarm.
Health authorities, including representatives from ICMR and NCDC, stressed that India's overall condition remains manageable, with no signs of a significant resurgence. Improved monitoring, prompt identification, and reaction systems have been established.
What Is JN.1 Variant Of COVID-19?
The JN.1 variant is a novel version of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Similar to Omicron, it transmits easily; however, the JN.1 variant possesses an additional mutation in its spike protein. The spike protein is the component of the virus that facilitates its binding to and entry into human cells. An active illness may persist for one to two weeks in cases of mild or moderate coronavirus disease, while severe instances can endure for months. Certain individuals are asymptomatic, indicating they do not exhibit symptoms yet are infected with COVID-19.
At the same time, Singapore experienced a 28% increase in weekly cases, while Hong Kong recorded 31 COVID-related fatalities, the highest count in a year. Experts warn against being complacent, encouraging Indians to adhere to safety measures, particularly in high-risk regions.
Although the present figures are minimal, ongoing monitoring, vaccination efforts, and hygiene measures are crucial to avert a new wave. Be vigilant, not panicked, advise health officials.
