India Reports 656 Cases of JN.1 Subvariant

India Reports 656 Cases of JN.1 Subvariant

Asif Iqbal | December 24, 2023 | 09:44 PM IST | Health | Follow on Google News

India Reports 656 Cases of JN.1 Subvariant.image/ANI

India Reports 656 Cases of JN.1 Subvariant

In the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reported 656 cases of the JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19, along with one death, bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 3,742.

India witnessed a significant surge in new COVID cases on Saturday, with Kerala contributing the majority. Out of the 423 reported cases, 266 were from Kerala, and neighboring Karnataka reported 70 cases, according to data from the Union health ministry. Two deaths were recorded in Kerala.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS director and senior pulmonologist, stated that the new subvariant is highly transmissible and spreading rapidly. However, he reassured that it is not causing severe infections or hospitalizations. The symptoms are primarily in the upper airways, including fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose, and body aches.

Dr. NK Arora, the chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), concurred that no additional vaccine doses are currently needed against the subvariant. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures for individuals aged 60 and older, those with comorbidities, and those on immunosuppressive drugs.

Dr. Arora highlighted that while various subvariants of Omicron have been reported, none of them has shown increased severity. He urged the public to remain vigilant but not to panic, emphasizing the need for precaution rather than additional vaccine doses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest (VOI), distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. Despite its rapid spread, WHO emphasized that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. Recognizing its increasing prevalence, WHO has designated the variant JN.1 as a separate VOI from the parent lineage BA.2.86, previously classified as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.

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Asif Iqbal

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