According to WHO data, approximately 150,503 new cases were reported during the 28-day period from April 21 to May 18, 2025, which is an increase compared to the previous 30,553 cases during the same period.

In total, testing revealed about 4.8% positive results, while coronavirus activity remains low but with an upward trend.

The WHO considers the current level of risk to be high due to the continued circulation of the virus and the emergence of new sub-variants.

New sub-variant: NB.1.8.1

• This variant was first detected in January 2025 and has already spread to 22 countries, accounting for ~10.7% of all COVID-19 sequences (as of May 18).
• NB.1.8.1 is classified as a Variant Under Monitoring because its prevalence is growing rapidly.
• Mutations in the spike protein increase infectivity and partially reduce antibody neutralization, but there is no evidence of more severe disease.
• Some countries have seen an increase in hospitalizations, but the WHO emphasizes that the variant does not yet cause more severe outcomes than previous ones.

Germany — current picture

• The total number of confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic is about 38,829,000, of which 405,368 are currently active. There have been about 183,027 deaths.
• Our World in Data shows that daily new cases are currently at a low level compared to the peaks of previous waves.
• Vaccination continues: a significant portion of the population has been fully vaccinated, although the pace is gradually slowing down.

India — a recent example of growth

• As of June 1, 2025, there are 6,491 active cases, including 358 new cases per day; there have been no deaths.
• The increase is caused by the JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC subvariants: they are more contagious but cause mostly mild symptoms.

Current dynamics

• The prevalence of the new NB.1.8.1 variant is increasing, from 2.5% to 10–33% in different regions over several weeks.
• The average incidence and hospitalization rates remain stable and comparable to last year’s seasonal figures.
• In some countries (eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, western Pacific), there has been a steady increase in the number of infected people, although the risk to society is assessed as low.

What you need to know now

• Symptoms of NB.1.8.1: typical symptoms include mild cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever; gastrointestinal symptoms are also possible.
• Vaccines: updated and booster vaccines (including XBB-based vaccines) remain effective against severe forms of the disease.
• Monitoring: new variants continue to be studied, including antibody neutralization and disease severity.

WHO recommendations:

• extend surveillance and sequencing,
• administer boosters to at-risk groups,
• continue monitoring hospitalizations and severe outcomes.

Conclusion

• COVID-19 has not gone away — it is present in different regions with seasonal spikes. -The new NB.1.8.1 subvariant is spreading rapidly, but so far does not exacerbate clinical symptoms.
• Vaccines continue to protect against severe disease.
• The main focus is on monitoring, booster campaigns for vulnerable groups, and strengthening health systems.