CNBC-TV18.com
Published Dec 19, 2023
A new coronavirus variant named JN.1 has been detected, causing concerns among doctors, experts authorities, and the public alike.
The Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 is a descendant of BA.2.86. In the wake of the new Covid variant, India's active caseload surged to 1,828 on Monday
Notably, a case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8. The sample from a 79-year-old woman had returned a positive result in an RT-PCR test on November 18, sources said, adding that she had mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had recovered from COVID-19.
The Centre on Monday, December 18, issued an advisory to states and Union Territories after the detection of first case of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in India and an upsurge in fresh cases.
The states have also been directed to report and monitor district-wise SARI and ILI cases regularly.
The Centre also advised States to ensure adequate testing including a higher number of RT-PCR tests, and send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories
Following the advisory the Karnataka government has mandated masks for individuals aged 60 and above, those with heart or kidney ailments, and those with cold symptoms due to concerns about the JN.1 subvariant.
Madhya Pradesh has adopted Centre's guidelines for new COVID-19 variant JN.1. This comes as some states experience a rise in cases of the viral infection. Yadav visited Hamidia Hospital, the largest government hospital in Bhopal, on Monday night to assess the preparations in place.