Covid-19 in resurgence: No active cases in Odisha, Health department advises co-morbid groups to remain cautious

Following reports of two Covid-19-related deaths in India amid a rising wave of infections in parts of Asia, Odisha’s public health department has stepped up its vigilance. While no cases of the new JN.1 subvariant has been detected in the state, health officials have urged residents, especially those with comorbidities, to stay alert and practice caution.

In an interaction with the media, the state’s Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, clarified that the new coronavirus strain is not a new variant, but a sub-lineage of the Omicron strain already in circulation.

Wear Masks, Take Precautions

In addition to this, he informed that the government will issue a public advisory only if the situation escalates or the central government releases official guidelines, which it has not done so yet.

“The particular coronavirus strain causing a resurgence is an identified one. Similar to the last outbreaks, people with co-morbidities like kidney disease or cancer must wear masks and take precautions like wearing masks,” he said.

The Director also noted that in case of any positive detection, samples will be sent for genomic sequencing to determine the strain, and adequate measures will be taken. As such, there is no need for immediate panic.

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What Is the JN.1 Variant and Why It’s Under Scrutiny

JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron that has evolved from the Pirola (BA.2.86) lineage. It was first detected globally in late 2023 and has since been spreading rapidly in countries like the United States, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India.

Despite its high transmissibility, there is no evidence so far suggesting that JN.1 causes more severe disease. Most infections have resulted in mild to moderate symptoms, according to health experts and the WHO.

Current Status in India and Asia

As of May 19, 2025, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases, the majority of which are mild. The Union Health Ministry has not issued any new advisories, but is monitoring the situation closely, especially in light of surging infections in nearby countries.

Two Covid-linked deaths were recently reported in Mumbai: a 14-year-old with kidney failure and a 54-year-old cancer patient, both with severe pre-existing conditions.

Symptoms to Watch For and Precautions to Take

Common JN.1 Symptoms:

- Sore throat

- Runny nose

- Cough

- Fatigue

- Mild fever

According to health experts, these are largely in line with previous Omicron infections and do not indicate increased severity.

Precautionary Measures Recommended:

Elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity should:

- Wear face masks in crowded areas

- Maintain hand hygiene

- Avoid unnecessary travel or gatherings

- Monitor any flu-like symptoms and seek early medical attention

Odisha’s health department has emphasised that people should not panic, but as always, prevention is better than cure.