The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across India has caused concern, as two new variants have been found in the country. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), these new variants are called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, and health officials are closely monitoring them.

In April, one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant was detected in Tamil Nadu, while four cases of the LF.7 variant were found in May. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled both variants as “Variants Under Monitoring.” Experts believe these sub-variants might be contributing to the increase in COVID-19 cases in China and other parts of Asia.

In India, Kerala currently has the highest number of active COVID-19 cases, with 278 cases reported in May. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are also seeing a rise in infections. In Bengaluru, an 84-year-old man died from COVID-19 along with other health problems. A nine-month-old baby in Bengaluru has also tested positive for the virus.

Maharashtra reported 47 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday and 45 on Sunday, bringing the total active cases in the state to 209. The state also recorded its fourth COVID-19 death recently — a 21-year-old from Thane with diabetic ketoacidosis passed away due to the infection.