Kerala reports again a new sub-variant of COVID-19 spreading in some countries. The Centre confirms JN.1 virus was found in some parts of Kerala.
Blood Pressure Rises in Kerala with New Sub-Variant of Corona
On December 8, COVID-19 cases again arose in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala but with a sub-variant JN.1, an old woman infected by this new virus. The 79-year-old woman had an influenza-like illness. RT-PCR test ( Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test ) was done on November 18. It was then that the old woman was diagnosed with the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19.
According to sources, the sub-variant was found in the body of an Indian before that resident of Kerala. Originally from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, visited Singapore on October 25. However, there has been no known increase in infections in Tiruchirappalli or elsewhere in Tamil Nadu since then. India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium or INSACOG is currently conducting surveillance in the area where the Kerala resident infected with the subvariant lives.
Currently, as per the minister’s records, Karnataka reports 58 active cases of COVID-19 and among them, 11 people are hospitalised and two dead. A 79-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man from Kerala were affected by this new virus and died.
Worldwide Spread of JN.1: A New Threat
Recently this new virus has spread mostly in China and the US. According to the Public Health Agency of the United States, the JN.1 strain of coronavirus spread about 15 percent to 29 percent in the United States. And this virus was noticed in the US around September 2023. Till December 15, China also reported almost seven active cases in mainland China.
What is JN.1 and its Symptoms
JN.1 is a sub-variant of COVID-19 and a descendant of Pirola ( BA.2.86 ), which is also a sub-variant of the virus Omicron. This virus carries an additional mutation in the spike protein and this spike protein helps to enhance the infection and spread the virus. So, it causes sore throats, runny nose, fever, headache, cough and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Is JN.1 Going to be a New Challenge Again: High Alerts
India has strong connections with various countries as there are no restrictions on international travel. From that point of view, there is a fear of this infection spreading in this country as well, a section of doctors think. However, according to another section, protection from this sub-variant is almost guaranteed if the vaccine being used is taken correctly.
As per the norms of the Ministry of Health of the Union Government, mock drills have been organised in all the health centers in Kerala. The exercise was conducted to take ‘stock’ of the preparedness of hospitals in the state. According to the Kerala government, the state health ministry is in touch with all health officials there. Hospitals have been instructed to be vigilant and create separate wards for Covid. A large number of people from Kerala work abroad. At this time of Christmas, they returned to their home. Ahead of the Christmas holidays, vigilance is being done at various entrances in the state.
Authorization said the prevalence of Covid-19 is very low right now but because of its transmissibility, it can take a huge circulation in India like Covid-19.
precaution is a must in this case so that JN.1 can’t be spread. For prevention experts suggest wearing masks outside, using sanitizer, maintaining social distancing and warning to get the booster dose.
