The appearance of a new subvariant of the coronavirus, JN.1, in Kerala has raised concerns among the public. Derived from the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, JN.1 carries mutations in the spike protein that may enhance its transmissibility and ability to evade immunity, according to medical professionals.
Despite a surge in respiratory diseases and the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, doctors reassure the public that there is no need to panic as long as vigilance is maintained. The first confirmed case of the JN.1 subvariant occurred in Kerala, where a 79-year-old woman tested positive but experienced only mild flu-like symptoms and has since recovered.
Symptoms and Precautions for JN.1:
Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, highlights that JN.1’s symptoms are generally mild, resembling fever, runny nose, sore throat, and occasional gastrointestinal issues seen in mild COVID cases. He emphasizes that current vaccines are likely effective against JN.1 due to the targeted spike protein.
Safety Measures:
To mitigate the potential rapid spread of JN.1, Dr. Tayal underscores the importance of preventive measures, including frequent handwashing and sanitization, proper use of triple-layer masks, and adherence to social distancing. These measures are crucial to prevent JN.1 from becoming the dominant strain and to protect individuals and communities.
World Health Organization’s Advisory:
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the evolving nature of the virus and encourages member states to maintain robust surveillance and share sequencing data. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, attributes the recent surge in respiratory infections to various factors, including increased gatherings during the holiday season and other infections. She emphasizes that the rise in COVID cases is linked to the evolving SARS-Cov-2 virus. The WHO urges continued monitoring and precautions to curb the spread.
Genomic Monitoring in India:
The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of genomic laboratories, actively monitors the genomic aspects of COVID-19 in India, contributing to the understanding and tracking of virus variants in the country.
