A new coronavirus sub-variant, JN.1, has been detected in Kerala, raising concerns over its transmissibility and immune evasion. The JN.1 variant is considered to be a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 or Pirola, which has been spreading across 38 countries, including India
The JN.1 variant was first detected in the United States in September 2023, and China reported seven infections of the sub-variant on December 15. In India, the JN.1 variant was confirmed in a 79-year-old woman from Kerala, who had no travel history or contact with any foreign returnees
According to Rajeev Jayadevan, the co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, the JN.1 variant can spread faster and evade immunity. "JN.1 is a severely immune-evasive and fast-spreading variant, markedly different from XBB and all other prior versions of this virus. This enables it to infect people who had previous Covid infections and also people who were vaccinated," he said
The symptoms of the JN.1 variant are similar to other variants and sub-variants observed globally, such as mild fever, coughing, discomfort in the nasal passages, sore throat, runny nose, headache and gastrointestinal issues. However, experts have observed that because of its high transmissibility, JN.1 has become a dominating strain of coronavirus and proper measures should be taken to prevent its spread
India has seen a surge in Covid cases in the past few weeks, crossing 800 in 24 hours, the highest in seven months. Despite overall low numbers, the gradual rise is attributed to sparse testing and mild cases³. As of January 4, 2024, India reported 636 fresh Covid cases and four more deaths in a day, the highest in 227 days¹. The number of active cases in the country is 2,311, of which 2,041 are in Kerala.
In response to the recent rise in cases, the state health department has ramped up Covid-19 testing and alerted health facilities and hospitals for preparedness². Specific instructions have been given to all hospitals with in-patient facilities to keep ready a Covid ward in case of any emergency. Hospitalization rates have not increased despite the rise in cases, officials confirmed². The deceased also had serious comorbidities such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and cancer
To prevent the JN.1 strain from spreading rampantly, experts have urged people to take booster shots, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently and wear masks in public places⁴. The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has also called for pandemic preparedness and disease surveillance in the country