A fresh wave of COVID-19 is sweeping through parts of Asia, with countries like India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand experiencing a noticeable rise in infections. The latest spike is primarily driven by the emergence of new variants, reigniting concerns about pandemic preparedness and the importance of preventive measures—especially in countries like Nepal that share close geographical and human connections with these hotspots.
New Variants Behind the Spike
The primary cause of this new wave is a COVID-19 variant known as JN.1, a descendant of the previously identified Omicron BA.2.86 strain. With around 30 mutations—including the sub-lineages LF.7 and NB.1.8—JN.1 has become the most common variant contributing to the current surge. It shares many symptoms with previous strains such as fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue. However, recent observations suggest that JN.1 may cause more intense gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly severe diarrhea, distinguishing it from other variants.
In addition, Thailand has attributed its increase in infections to a newly emerged recombinant strain called XEC, first identified in Germany. This variant is a hybrid of two Omicron subtypes—KS.1.1 and KP.3.3—and carries several mutations that accelerate its spread.
The Situation Across the Region
While many countries are reporting thousands of new cases, most remain mild and have not required hospitalizations. In India, several states such as Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have seen spikes in infections, though the majority of cases are being monitored at home. In some cities, deaths have occurred among COVID-positive patients, though these have been linked to other pre-existing conditions.
Singapore has documented over 14,000 new infections, and Thailand has seen more than 70,000 cases with a reported number of deaths linked to the current outbreak. In Hong Kong, nearly 30 fatalities related to COVID-like symptoms have been reported recently.
This regional resurgence has reignited concerns in neighboring countries. With growing travel and trade between these Asian nations, the risk of transmission across borders remains significant.
Nepal: Low Case Numbers, But Growing Vigilance
In contrast to its neighbors, Nepal has reported only one COVID-19 case since the beginning of the year. The low number of confirmed infections has made it impossible to conduct whole-genome sequencing, a method used to study the virus’s structure and mutations. As a result, health authorities are currently unable to track or verify the presence of emerging variants within the country.
Despite the current low risk, Nepal is not letting its guard down. Health authorities have begun ramping up surveillance, especially at high-risk entry points such as the international airport and land borders shared with countries currently experiencing surges. Hospitals and clinics have also been instructed to prepare for the possibility of an increase in cases, including treating people returning from affected countries who show symptoms similar to COVID-19.
Given the drop in immunity over time—both from previous infections and vaccination—there is growing concern that Nepal could face a similar wave if precautions are not taken seriously.
Call to Action: Prevention Still Matters
Experts are emphasizing the importance of basic safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include wearing face masks in crowded spaces, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings. Though these recommendations have been widely communicated throughout the pandemic, their continued practice is essential, especially in times of renewed regional outbreaks.
To prepare for any potential rise in cases, Nepal has requested additional COVID-19 testing kits from international health organizations. Current stockpiles are limited and cannot be replenished quickly due to procurement constraints. Health workers across the country have been alerted to stay vigilant and to report any increase in patients with flu-like symptoms.
While there is no immediate sign of an outbreak within Nepal, the close proximity to heavily affected countries and the steady flow of international travelers mean the risk is always present. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, stay informed, and not assume the threat has completely disappeared.