India Covid variant

1. India reports 21 cases of the JN.1 Covid variant.
2. Active cases increase in multiple states.
3. Union Health Ministry stresses vigilance and public health measures.

New Delhi, Dec 21: India has reported 21 cases of the JN.1 Covid variant, with an increase in active cases observed in several states. The Union Health Ministry emphasizes the need for vigilance and public health measures.

Current Situation

  • India reported 2669 active cases in the last 24 hours, with an uptick in Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.
  • JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1) variant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage, emerged in late 2023.

Deaths and Uncertainties

  • Two Covid-19-related deaths occurred in Karnataka; unclear if linked to JN.1.
  • Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlights the ongoing threat of COVID-19, urging states to monitor cases and severity.

Hospital Preparedness

  • Hospitals nationwide are on high alert, conducting tests and genome sequencing.
  • Safdarjung Hospital is vigilant, conducting COVID tests and sending samples for sequencing.

Regional Updates

  • A 41-year-old in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, tested positive for JN.1.
  • Kerala reported 300 new Covid cases and 3 deaths on December 20.
  • West Bengal continues surveillance for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

State Responses

  • Haryana government to conduct RT-PCR tests for ILI and SARI.
  • Delhi government reviews oxygen supply and ventilator beds amid new variant concerns.
  • Karnataka issued an advisory for vulnerable groups to wear masks and avoid crowded places.
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Gujarat and Goa

  • Gujarat has 13 active cases, with a mock drill assessing hospital preparedness.
  • Goa reports 19 active COVID cases with mild symptoms.

Odisha and Rajasthan

  • Odisha reports no COVID cases in the past week and advises caution for senior citizens.
  • Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, reports two new Covid cases.

Global Classification and ICMR

  • World Health Organisation classifies JN.1 as a “variant of interest” with a “low” global public health risk.
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducts genome sequencing of JN.1.

About JN.1 Covid Variant

  • JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1) emerged in late 2023, a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage of SARS-CoV-2.
  • BA.2.86 lineage, first identified in August 2023, carries more than 30 spike protein mutations, indicating high immune evasion potential.
  • JN.1 was first detected in Denmark and Israel in late July 2023.