As of December 26, the reported cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have increased by 40, bringing the national tally to 109, according to official sources. The majority of these cases were detected in Gujarat (36), Karnataka (34), Goa (14), Maharashtra (9), Kerala (6), Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu (4 each), and Telangana (2). While the patients are primarily in home isolation, health authorities emphasize the importance of proactive testing and robust surveillance systems.
NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul highlighted the ongoing investigation into the new variant, urging states to enhance testing capacities. Despite the rising numbers, officials underscore that 92% of those infected have chosen home-based treatment, indicating predominantly mild illness. Hospitalization rates have not seen a significant increase, with COVID-19 being incidentally discovered in patients admitted for other medical conditions.
Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant, in correspondence with states and Union territories, emphasized the implementation of public health measures. Stressing the need for adherence to operational guidelines, he called for vigilant monitoring of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness at the district level for early detection of potential outbreaks.
Addressing concerns, officials clarified that there is currently no immediate cause for alarm, and COVID-19 cases are not the primary reason for hospitalizations. In the latest update, India reported 529 new cases of Covid-19, with 4,093 active cases. Three new fatalities, two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat, were recorded in the last 24 hours.
The JN.1 (BA.2 86.1.1) sub-variant, originating in Luxembourg in August 2023, is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage of SARS-CoV-2. As the nation navigates through the festive season, health authorities stress the critical need for COVID-19 control and management strategies, urging states to implement and adhere to revised surveillance strategies.
