The emergence of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been identified in multiple states, namely Goa, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Up to this point, a total of 21 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been officially documented nationwide. Specifically, Goa has reported 19 instances of this sub-variant, while Kerala and Maharashtra have each confirmed one case.
Characterized as a descendant of the Omicron lineage, the JN.1 sub-variant has gained notoriety for its rapid transmission over the past few weeks. Although the World Health Organisation has designated JN.1 as a distinct "variant of interest," it has emphasized that the global public health risk associated with it is deemed "low."
Against the backdrop of a surge in COVID cases throughout the country, Dr. V K Paul, a member of NITI Aayog specializing in health, sought to allay concerns on Wednesday, asserting that there is no need for panic. Dr. Paul highlighted the vigilant monitoring of the new variant by the scientific community in India. Nonetheless, he underscored the importance of states enhancing their COVID preparedness, urging them to intensify testing efforts and fortify their surveillance systems.
In response to the escalating Covid cases, the Central government has issued an advisory to states and Union Territories, urging them to remain vigilant. The advisory instructs states to regularly monitor and report instances of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness on a district-wise basis across all health facilities.
