The number of COVID-19 cases related to the Delta Plus virus variant in India has increased to about 40, officials said Wednesday.

"As of now among the samples sequenced (over 45,000) in India, this variant has been observed sporadically in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, with around 40 cases identified so far and no significant increase in prevalence," said a statement issued by the government.

The Delta Plus strain, which was initially tagged as a Variant of Interest, was later declared as Variant of Concern by the government.