Experts allay fears on JN.1 Covid variant in India

India announced 21 cases of the JN.1 Covid variant on Wednesday. Scientists allayed concerns but also advised adherence to current cautious measures, saying that the development is neither unexpected nor especially concerning.

The Union Health Ministry reported 614 new cases of Covid, the largest number of cases per day since May 21. This news coincided with the release of the new sub-variant’s increasing prevalence, which was found in three states.

Experts intervened as fear increased and Covid once again gained attention, assuring people that there was no reason to worry because there are effective therapies available, the infection is not severe, and viruses always evolve.

“As it happens with most respiratory viruses, including the influenza viruses, the circulating viruses keep changing. Therefore, a sub-variant of SARS CoV-2 is not a surprise at all,” Chandrakant Lahariya, a senior consultant physician and public health expert, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

According to him, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is spreading everywhere.

Official sources state that one case each in Kerala and Maharashtra and nineteen cases in Goa have been linked to JN.1. 16 COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks have been reported, and the victims had significant co-morbidities.

As of Tuesday, JN.1 is considered a distinct variation of interest (VOI) from parent lineage BA.2.86 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It was formerly included in the BA.2.86 sublineages and designated as VOI.

A variation that possesses genetic alterations that may enhance its transmissibility, pathogenicity, and capacity to elude vaccinations is considered of interest by the World Health Organisation.

A variation of interest, according to the WHO, is one that includes genetic alterations that may boost its virulence, transmissibility, and its ability to evade vaccines.

“Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries,” it added.

Additionally, India has warned the states to adopt the appropriate safety precautions.

(With agency inputs)