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On Wednesday, 20th December, the Union Health Ministry officials revealed that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working on genome sequencing of the new Covid-19 JN.1 of SARS-CoV-2, according to a report by The Economic Times. As of now, twenty-one cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been identified nationwide, according to Dr. V K Paul, NITI Aayog member (health). He highlights the importance of states enhancing testing and reinforcing surveillance mechanisms while stressing the need for scrutiny of the new variant.
As the cases rapidly increase globally, it shows that the Omicron sub-lineage could surpass other COVID variants due to its high immune escape-ability, say experts. As stated by the United Nations, given the rapidly increasing spread of the variant, WHO has classified Covid-19 JN.1 as a “variant of interest”. The CDC (US Centers for Disease Control) has labelled this strain as the fastest-growing variant in that country.
Is The Covid-19 JN.1 Variant More Infectious?
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant affirmed that since the state’s healthcare system “is fully prepared to deal with the new Covid variant JN.1, there’s no reason for panic.” He further advises people to consult their doctors should they develop any symptoms and take necessary medication, and encourages people to once again abide by COVID safety measures.
The State Health Department recently shared since the detection of the sub-variant, regular genome sequencing is being conducted. The department revealed that so far, a 41-year-old man from Sindhudurg was the patient diagnosed with the JN.1 variant. The state health department also reinforced the need to wear masks where necessary, wash hands frequently and follow Covid-appropriate protocols.
Should You Worry?
As Goa holds the maximum number of cases of JN.1 (19) in the country according to Indian Express, the state authorities responded on Wednesday, saying that there was “no need to panic, yet.” Dr Ameet Dravid, an Infectious Disease expert, explains that the virus goes through several mutation stages that make it stronger.
He adds that while doctors are currently treating mild upper respiratory tract infections in a hospital setting, there is, however, a possibility of an increase in cases as the variant becomes more immune evasive. Dravid says: “It is important to get vaccinated, especially for those who are partially vaccinated.” There are no distinctive symptoms reported yet. Rather, they have been similar to previous variants, such as a sore or scratchy throat, fatigue, body ache, fever, congestion, and coughing.
Speaking to WION News, Dr Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram, expressed that the JN.1 variant is not significantly different genetically from the BA variants. She further elaborates that while the risk of cases spreading appears minimal, “exercising caution and following preventive measures remain advisable.”
