Kohima, May 28 (MExN): With new COVID-19 variants—one case of NB.1.8.1 and four cases of LF variants—being detected in the country, the Nagaland Health Department on Tuesday issued an advisory, while noting that the current symptoms remain mild.
These variants are under observation by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs). Though not classified as dangerous, they have been linked to rising case numbers in China and parts of Asia, the advisory stated. In India, however, the most common COVID-19 variant continues to be JN.1, it added.
The department observed that the current COVID-19 symptoms in India in 2025 are mild and subtle, with no associated increase in hospitalisation cases.
Citing recent reports published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the advisory mentioned that NB.1.8.1 poses a low global health risk. However, symptoms may include low-grade fever or chills, mild sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, occasional dry cough, headache and fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, and mild body aches.
In view of this, the Health Department reiterated the existing Do’s and Don’ts for the public as preventive measures and to ensure necessary awareness.
