JN.1 Variant in India: Kerala Sees Slight Case Rise, Experts Calm Fears
While the new JN.1 Covid variant has sparked concern, Kerala health officials assure the situation is under control. Despite a slight increase in cases since November, officials emphasize that high testing rates and low severity contribute to the numbers.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George addressed the public on Friday, acknowledging the JN.1 detection in a 79-year-old woman back in November. She reassured the public, stating that no alarming rise in hospitalizations or deaths has occurred. Those who died had pre-existing medical conditions and not Covid complications.
However, George acknowledged the possibility of more cases, citing airport surveillance in Singapore that identified 19 JN.1-positive passengers from India. Despite this, she emphasized that plans are in place and reiterated the variant's higher transmissibility but lower severity compared to earlier ones.
Experts like former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan echo this sentiment, advocating for caution but not panic. She encourages continued adherence to standard Covid precautions, similar to those for Omicron, as no evidence suggests increased severity or fatality with JN.1.
Currently, no plans for mandatory airport RT-PCR testing exist despite the rising numbers. However, all states and Union Territories are on high alert and preparations are underway.
JN.1 Variant: What You Need to Know
- New sub-lineage of BA.2.86 (Omicron offshoot)
- Additional mutations in the spike protein
- Enhanced immune-evasion properties leading to faster spread
- No new or severe symptoms compared to other variants
- First detected in Denmark and Israel in July 2023
- Circulating in India since at least November
