Karnataka has reported 199 cases of the sub-variant followed by Kerala (148), Goa (47), Gujarat (36), Maharashtra (32), Tamil Nadu (26) and Delhi (15). Four cases have been reported from Rajasthan, two from Telangana and one each from Odisha and Haryana.

JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron lineage and is highly transmissible. Experts say it spreads faster than the other Omicron variants but does not cause more severe disease. Common symptoms include fever, cough, cold, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, and breathing issues.

Meanwhile, active cases in Odisha have mounted to 27 with 3 new cases being detected in the last 24 hours. While one person has been hospitalised, others are recuperating at home, sources said.

The test positivity rate in the state had shot to 1.7 per cent from 0.1 per cent in December third week on Tuesday when five new cases were detected from 295 samples, taking the tally to 24 with one patient having recovered from the infection. The government, however, attributed this rise to fall in testing from a range of around 600 to less than 300 and added that the districts not adhering to the earlier instruction have asked to step up testing as per protocol.

Since the new variant can affect people with co-morbidities or those who have suffered lung damage in previous waves more, the state has appealed to them and the elderly to remain cautious and wear face masks while going out.

On the other hand, Union Health Ministry data on Wednesday revealed that 602 fresh cases of COVID-19 in India in the last 24 hours. Five deaths due to the infection have also been reported in the country during this period, according to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).