Bengaluru sees 32 of Karnataka’s 35 COVID-19 cases in 2025, no deaths reported

The Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare on Friday, May 23, issued a fresh COVID-19 advisory in response to a gradual uptick in cases across the state, with a significant concentration in Bengaluru. So far in 2025, 35 COVID-19 cases have been reported statewide, of which 32 have been detected in Bengaluru alone. No fatalities have been reported.

According to Deccan Herald, a nine-month-old boy tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, May 22, at a private hospital in Hoskote and was later transferred to Vani Vilas hospital in Bengaluru. Two other children admitted to a different hospital in the city have also tested positive and are recovering. 

In its advisory, the Health Department urged vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, immunocompromised individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to wear face masks in crowded areas. “All citizens are encouraged to maintain hand hygiene and use hand sanitisers regularly,” the advisory added.

The Department has also recommended prompt COVID-19 testing for individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). “Early detection is essential for timely treatment and to prevent further transmission of the virus. While the current case numbers are low, community cooperation is vital in curbing any potential resurgence of the virus,” it stated.

The advisory comes amid a broader regional trend, with COVID-19 cases rising in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian countries. In India, a total of 257 cases have been detected recently, with Kerala (95), Tamil Nadu (66), and Maharashtra (56) reporting the majority. Between May 12 and May 19 alone, 164 new cases were recorded, including 69 in Kerala, 44 in Maharashtra, and 34 in Tamil Nadu.

The current surge is attributed to the JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron strain and its sub-lineages, LF.7 and NB.1.8. 

The Union Health Ministry, along with agencies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), continues to monitor the situation closely.