Covid-19 resurgence: What is JN.1 variant of coronavirus that has put India on alert?

A fresh ripple of concern has emerged across Asia as a new subvariant of the coronavirus, JN.1, begins to dominate infection trends. 

While countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand witness a surge in cases, Indian health authorities have stepped up surveillance, even as the situation remains largely under control within its borders.

What is the JN.1 Variant?

JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron and is derived from the BA.2.86 lineage, also known as Pirola. 

First detected in late 2023, JN.1 has since spread rapidly across several countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and India. What sets it apart is a distinct mutation in its spike protein, the part of the virus responsible for binding to human cells.

This mutation is believed to increase the variant's transmissibility and allow it to partially evade immunity conferred by vaccines or past infections. Though not currently linked to more severe disease, its ability to spread quickly has earned it the ‘variant of interest’ tag from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Why Has It Put India on Alert?

While India has not witnessed a dramatic surge in cases, the country reported 257 active cases as of today, according to the Covid-19 portal by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

States such as Kerala (69 new cases), Maharashtra (44), and Tamil Nadu (34) have seen a slight uptick. Other states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, and Rajasthan, have reported single-digit case counts.

Unfortunately, Mumbai recently recorded two Covid-linked deaths at KEM Hospital involving patients with serious pre-existing conditions. Still, health authorities assert that most active cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation.

A high-level meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Health brought together experts from the ICMR, NCDC, and central government hospitals. The consensus: there is no cause for panic. But vigilance is essential, especially in light of the rapid spread in other Asian nations.

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Global Spike: Singapore and Hong Kong in Focus

Singapore reported approximately 14,200 cases in the first week of May, up from 11,100 the previous week, marking a 28% rise, and daily hospital admissions also spiked by 30%.

In Hong Kong, health officials noted the highest positivity rate in a year and a corresponding rise in hospitalisations and deaths. Thirty-one Covid-related deaths were reported in one week alone, the highest weekly toll in a year.

Meanwhile, India has also developed an Omicron-specific vaccine, GEMCOVAC-19, by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals. The vaccine is ready to be scaled up if needed.

Hospitals have been directed to closely monitor influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Surveillance is being conducted through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR networks.

Though the JN.1 variant has triggered alerts and increased surveillance, Indian authorities are maintaining a watchful eye, learning from international trends, and ensuring preparedness without stoking unnecessary fear.