New Delhi, May 26 -- COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in parts of India, with more than 250 active cases reported so far. The recent surge has been attributed to the emergence of a new variant, JN.1, which has been detected in multiple states. JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and is currently under close observation by health authorities for any changes in its transmission rate or associated symptoms.

Majority of the cases are being reported from Kerala as it logs 182 cases. Various state governments have issued advisories, including wearing of masks.

The JN.1 variant is a new strain of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Similar to Omicron, it spreads easily, but JN.1 carries an additional mutation in its spike protein, th...