The COVID-19 pandemic, though seemingly waning, continues to throw curveballs. The latest twist in India’s fight against the virus comes in the form of the JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron’s BA.2.86 subvariant. First detected in Kerala in December 2023, JN.1 has raised concerns due to its rapid spread and potential to evade immunity.

92 cases of corona were reported in Karnakata on Monday (25th Dec 2023) and 3 deaths were reported from the state.

50 cases of corona were reported in Maharashtra on Sunday(24th Dec 2023). Of these, 9 are of JN.1 variant. A total of 22 cases of JN.1 variant have been reported in the country till December 21.

One person has also died due to Corona in the last 24 hours in Kerala. Active cases in the state have also reached 3000. So far, 72063 people have lost their lives due to the epidemic in the state.

WHO said that Corona cases have increased by 52% in the last four weeks worldwide. In the last 28 days, 8.5 lakh new cases of Corona have been reported worldwide. While 3 thousand people have died.

COVID-19 INDIA as on : 26 December 2023, 08:00 IST (GMT+5:30) 

• According to the World Health Organization, 118,000 people have been hospitalized across the world in the last 28 days. While 1600 are in ICU. The number of people admitted to hospital has also increased by 23% compared to previous days.
• WHO has advised countries in South-East Asia to increase surveillance because of the increasing cases of Covid-19 and its new subvariant JN.1.
• The World Health Organization has appealed to people to take all protective measures. With the rapid spread of the new variant JN.1 of Corona, the question that is arising is whether the existing vaccines can protect against it?
• WHO said that the current vaccine is capable of protecting against serious disease and death caused by JN.1 and SARS-CoV-2.

What is JN.1?

JN.1, like other Omicron subvariants, carries mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it enter human cells. These mutations allow JN.1 to spread more easily than previous variants, but there’s no evidence yet that it causes more severe illness.

How Worried should We be?

Experts urge caution, not panic. While JN.1’s rapid spread is concerning, the good news is that reported cases so far have exhibited mild symptoms and haven’t led to a significant increase in hospitalizations or deaths. Additionally, India’s high vaccination coverage provides some degree of protection against severe illness, even from new variants.

What can we do?

The key to navigating this new chapter in India’s COVID-19 story lies in responsible individual and collective action:

• Continue following basic protocols: Mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing remain essential tools to curb the spread of the virus.
• Get vaccinated and boosted: Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect oneself from severe illness. Staying up-to-date with boosters is crucial for maintaining immunity.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments about JN.1 and follow advisories from health authorities.
• Seek medical attention: If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested and isolate yourself to prevent further transmission.

The Road Ahead

JN.1 serves as a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. While the variant itself may not pose an immediate threat, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures. By adhering to safety protocols, getting vaccinated, and staying informed, we can navigate this new challenge and emerge stronger as a nation.

Remember, knowledge is power in the fight against COVID-19. Let’s stay informed, act responsibly, and protect ourselves and our communities.

Resources To Track Covid 19 Updates:

• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India: https://www.covid19india.org/
• Indian Council of Medical Research: https://www.icmr.gov.in/