New Delhi, June 5 (HS): The number of COVID-19 patients is increasing, with over 500 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, leading to seven deaths. Active cases nationwide have risen to 4,866. Among the deceased, three were from Maharashtra and two each from Delhi and Karnataka; most were elderly with pre-existing conditions, except for a five-month-old boy with respiratory issues. This surge is linked to four variants: LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and a new subvariant NB.1.8.1 identified in India. The World Health Organization's Technical Advisory Group has categorized NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring,' signifying notable changes in the virus, though its impact is still uncertain.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar