The JN.1 Covid variant in India, 2669 active cases were reported in 24 hours
IndiGlobal Bureau
The bogey of Covid has returned ion the form of JN.1 variant in India and in the last 24 hours, over 2,500 cases have been reported mainly from Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1) variant emerged in late 2023 and is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (Pirola) of coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation has classified JN.1 as a separate “variant of interest” given its rapidly increasing spread but said it poses a “low” global public health risk. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working on genome sequencing of the new JN.1 variant.
Taking cognisance of the matter, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a meeting with representatives of the health department in which he reiterated that Covid was not over yet and urged the states to monitor emerging cases, symptoms, and case severity to plan appropriate public health response.
Hospitals on high alert
Several hospitals across the country are on high alert and have directed staff to take precautions and making beds ready in case of a spurt in cases. Several state governments issued alerts and informed citizens to wear masks when they venture out. Dr Rohit Kumar, Head of Pulmonary Medicine at Safdarjung Hospital said, “We are on high alert, conducting COVID tests, and sending samples for genome sequencing.”
A 41-year-old has tested positive for new Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Kerala reported 300 new active cases of Covid-19 and 3 deaths on 20th December, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Haryana government said RT-PCR tests will be conducted for Influenza-like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections.
Delhi government is also on alert amid the entry of new Covid variant in the country. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said oxygen cylinders, ventilator beds, and other requirements are being “reviewed again”.
The Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha and Rajasthan governments issued advisory asking people especially above the age of 60 to wear mask and not to go out in crowded places. Gujarat government authorities carried out a mock drill across more than 5,700 hospitals to assess their preparedness to deal with any health exigency in view of JN.1 subvariant.