Kerala on Alert: Detection of Covid Subvariant JN.1 Prompts Ongoing Surveillance by Authorities

A new COVID subvariant, JN.1, detected in Kerala sparks concerns as a 79-year-old woman tested positive. In Tamil Nadu, an Indian traveler was also diagnosed with this subvariant. Health officials worry about its immune evasion and faster spread.

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A concerning development arises in Kerala with the detection of a new COVID subvariant, JN.1, causing health authorities to heighten their vigilance. This subvariant was identified in a 79-year-old woman through an RT-PCR test on November 18, raising alarms among health officials. She exhibited mild influenza-like symptoms but successfully recovered from the illness. Earlier, a traveler from Tamil Nadu was also found to have contracted the JN.1 subvariant while in Singapore after journeying there on October 25. Despite these cases, there hasn’t been a surge in cases observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other regions in Tamil Nadu post the identification of this strain.

Rajeev Jayadev, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, voiced concerns about the recent uptick in cases across India after a seven-month lull. While reports of Covid cases emerge in Kerala, the severity appears consistent with earlier instances. He highlighted the distinct characteristics of the JN.1 variant, emphasizing its ability to spread rapidly and evade immunity, making it markedly different from previous versions of the virus. According to Jayadev, this variant can infect individuals who have had prior Covid infections or even those who have been vaccinated.

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The emergence of cases linked to the JN.1 subvariant isn’t limited to India; other countries have also reported instances. Meanwhile, India reported 339 new Covid infections, pushing the active caseload to 1,492. The death toll reached 5.33 lakh, while the total case tally stands at 4.50 crore. Fortunately, over 4.44 crore individuals have recovered, maintaining a national recovery rate of 98.81%. The case fatality rate remains at 1.19%. The country has administered over 220.67 crore Covid vaccine doses to date, according to the Health Ministry website.