New Covid Variant JN.1: 21 Cases Confirmed Across The Nation, Advisory Issued

India is facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases with the arrival of the JN.1 variant, as the Union Health Ministry reported 21 cases nationwide. The variant, identified as a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage, has triggered increased concerns and vigilance among health authorities.

Amid an uptick in Covid cases observed in states including Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, Karnataka reported two Covid-19-related deaths on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding these fatalities remain unclear, prompting questions about the potential involvement of the new JN.1 subvariant, reported Livemint.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the ongoing threat of COVID-19, emphasizing that the pandemic is far from over. In a meeting with health department representatives, he urged states to closely monitor emerging cases, symptoms, and case severity to formulate an appropriate public health response.

In Maharashtra, a 41-year-old individual tested positive for the new Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 in the Sindhudurg district. Further details about the patient are currently unavailable. Kerala reported 300 new active cases and 3 deaths on December 20th, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Govt Urges To Stay Vigilant, Wear Masks

States are adopting various strategies in response to the emerging threat. The Karnataka government issued an advisory recommending face masks for individuals above 60 years, those with comorbidities, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Additionally, they are advised to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces, and crowded areas.

Gujarat, currently with 13 active coronavirus cases, has all patients under home isolation. The government has urged people to remain vigilant and avoid panic. A mock drill assessing hospital preparedness was conducted across more than 5,700 hospitals in Gujarat.

Goa has reported 19 active COVID cases, all with mild symptoms, while Odisha, despite not reporting any new cases in the past week, advises senior citizens to remain cautious. In Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, two fresh cases of coronavirus were reported.

On a global scale, the World Health Organization classifies JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest," recognizing its rapid spread but deeming it a "low" global public health risk. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively engaged in genome sequencing to understand the characteristics of the new JN.1 variant.

As India grapples with the emergence of the JN.1 variant, health authorities emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to safety measures. The situation is dynamic, with ongoing research and monitoring to fully comprehend the impact of the JN.1 Covid variant.

Also Read: Mawlynnong Village: A Beacon Of Eco-Tourism Excellence