COVID-19 Cases Decline, But Deaths Rise to 97 in India as of June 15

India's COVID-19 Deaths Rise Despite Falling Active Cases, Comorbidities a Key Concern

National Active Caseload Dips Below 7,400, But Fatalities Cross 90 Since January; Kerala and Maharashtra Remain Key Hotspots

New Delhi: India is witnessing a complex COVID-19 trend as of mid-June 2025. While the national active caseload has shown a marginal decline, the daily death toll has seen a concerning rise, with health officials attributing the fatalities primarily to patients with significant pre-existing health conditions. The latest data underscores the continued risk the virus poses to vulnerable populations, even as overall infection rates appear to be stabilising.

📊 National Snapshot: June 15, 2025

• Active Cases: 7,383 (a decrease of 17 from the previous day)
• Single-Day Deaths (Last 24h): 10
• Total Deaths (Since Jan 1, 2025): 97
• Dominant Variant: JN.1 and its sub-lineages (including LF.7 and NB.1.8.1)

State-Wise Breakdown & Key Hotspots

The recent fatalities have been concentrated in a few states, highlighting regional variations in the virus's impact.

• Kerala: Remains the most affected state with 2,007 active cases. The state reported 5 deaths in the last 24 hours.
• Delhi: Recorded 3 deaths and has a current active caseload of 682.
• Maharashtra: Reported 2 deaths with a total of 578 active cases.
• Gujarat: While reporting no recent deaths, it has the second-highest number of active cases at 1,441.

🔬 Analysis: Why Deaths Are Rising Amidst Falling Cases

Health experts point to a combination of factors to explain this trend:

• Lagging Indicator: Fatalities are a lagging indicator, meaning the recent deaths are likely among individuals who were infected several weeks ago when case numbers may have been higher.
• Vulnerable Population: A detailed analysis of the recent deaths by the Union Health Ministry reveals that nearly all deceased individuals had serious comorbidities. These include chronic kidney or lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer (leukemia), and advanced age. For example, a 32-year-old male who died in Maharashtra was also battling acute myeloid leukemia.
• Reduced Testing: Specialists suggest that the actual number of infections in the community may be higher than reported, as many individuals with mild respiratory symptoms no longer opt for COVID-19 testing.

Current Public Health Advisory

In response to the situation, health authorities are reiterating key public health advice, especially for high-risk groups.

• Masking Urged: The use of masks in crowded indoor spaces and hospitals is strongly recommended. Kerala has made mask-wearing mandatory in its hospitals.
• Precaution for the Vulnerable: Elderly citizens and those with comorbidities are advised to take extra precautions.
• Early Testing: Officials urge those with symptoms like a cold, cough, sore throat, or fever to get tested to enable early detection and prevent further spread.

While there is no cause for widespread alarm and hospitalisation rates remain low, the latest figures serve as a critical reminder of the importance of continued vigilance against COVID-19.