New Covid-19 variant XFG detected in multiple states; India’s active caseload near 6,500
PTC Web Desk: India is witnessing a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, with total active infections nearing the 6,500 mark, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). As of Monday, 6,491 active cases have been reported across the country, with a noticeable increase in cases linked to the newly detected XFG variant, a descendant of the Omicron strain.
Kerala worst-hit as XFG variant emerges
Kerala continues to be the most affected state, accounting for 1,957 active cases, including seven new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The state remains a hotspot, even as health officials monitor the situation closely.
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has confirmed that over 160 active Covid-19 cases are associated with the XFG variant, raising fresh concerns about community transmission and variant-driven outbreaks.
About XFG variant
The XFG variant is a newly identified descendant of the Omicron subvariant. According to a study published in The Lancet, the XFG lineage was first detected in Canada, and has since spread rapidly across several regions. The variant is believed to have evolved from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 lineages and contains four significant spike protein mutations: His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu and Thr572Ile.
These mutations contribute to the variant’s strong immune evasion capabilities, allowing it to bypass the body’s immune defences and sustain transmission, as per the Lancet findings.
INSACOG data indicates the following state-wise distribution of XFG-positive cases: Maharashtra: 89; Tamil Nadu: 16; Kerala: 15; Gujarat: 11 and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal six each.
This emerging trend highlights the pan-India spread of the variant and the need for enhanced surveillance and genomic testing.
Beyond Kerala, the surge in active Covid-19 cases is also being felt in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. These states are currently reporting high caseloads, though no fresh fatalities have been recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry.
However, since January 1, 2025, a total of 65 Covid-related deaths have been officially reported. These were spread across 10 states — Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Delhi.
The health authorities have urged states to increase testing, enhance surveillance, and promote vaccination, especially among vulnerable groups. Citizens are also advised to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks in crowded places and avoiding unnecessary travel in hotspot zones.
- With inputs from agencies
