Recent findings from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) have confirmed the presence of the JN.1 covid variant in Kerala, where Covid cases are on the rise. On Friday, India reported 312 new COVID-19 cases, with 280 originating from Kerala, which has experienced a notable increase in cases over the past week.
Government data indicates that these new cases were identified through 17,605 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. Kerala has witnessed a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, resulting in two deaths from the virus this month.
Official figures reveal that 470 Kerala COVID cases in November and has already seen 825 new cases in the first ten days of this month, the highest in India. As of Thursday, the state has 1,104 active Kerala Covid cases.
Kerala COVID Cases
Patients admitted to the hospital with respiratory symptoms are testing positive for COVID-19, even though they often test negative for H1N1. Some individuals experience symptoms for an extended period, lasting a month or two.
Notably, recent observations suggest that atmospheric pollution and climate change are exacerbating symptoms more than the virus itself. This insight comes from Dr. Sunny P. Orathel, the medical superintendent at the state hospital, as reported by the Times of India.
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New COVID Variant In Kerala
The most recent data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has officially identified the JN.1 COVID variant in Kerala. This comes at a time when the state is experiencing a rise in Kerala Covid cases. JN.1 is a subtype of the Omicron variant, specifically BA.2.86, and was initially discovered in Luxembourg in August before spreading to other nations.
Due to the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant in Kerala, concerns have been raised, prompting authorities to emphasize the importance of ongoing virus monitoring. Reports suggest that if the number of cases continues to increase in the state, the Kerala government might implement restrictions and precautionary measures in key areas. Stay informed for further updates.
Tamil Nadu Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing
Amidst rising concerns about the new COVID variant JN.1 and the increasing number of cases in Kerala, the Tamil Nadu state government is taking proactive measures.
In response to the surge in cases in Kerala, the government of Tamil Nadu has decided to conduct more RT-PCR tests, particularly in areas with higher instances of fever. Health Minister Ma Subramanian shared that 264 individuals with fever symptoms were tested, revealing eight positive cases for Covid-19.
Highlighting the urgency, Minister Subramanian emphasized the state’s commitment to increased testing, breaking a pattern of conducting over 200 RT-PCR tests in just a span of two or three months.
The spike in active Kerala Covid cases from 33 to 768 within a month has raised concerns, although experts reassure the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. However, they emphasize the importance of vigilant and continuous monitoring of the viruses.
COVID Cases in India
In the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Friday, India witnessed a surge of 312 new coronavirus infections in a single day, marking the highest since May 31. The active cases have now risen to 1,296, and the total death toll stands at 5,33,310 as of 8 am on Friday.
The overall Covid case count in the country has reached 4.50 crore (4,50,04,142). On a positive note, the number of individuals recovering from the disease has risen to 4,44,69,536, resulting in a national recovery rate of 98.81%, as reported on the health ministry’s website. Notably, the country has administered 220.67 crore doses of the vaccine, according to the ministry’s data.
It’s important to note that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron as a “notable descendent lineage,” indicating potential increased transmissibility. However, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently reports no evidence of heightened public health risk or severity compared to other circulating variants.
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New COVID Variant In Kerala FAQs
Q.1. What is the JN.1 COVID variant?
Ans. The JN.1 COVID variant is a subtype of the Omicron variant, specifically identified as BA.2.86. It was first discovered in Luxembourg in August and has since spread to other nations.
Q.2. Where has the JN.1 variant been detected in India?
Ans. Recent findings from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) confirm the presence of the JN.1 COVID variant in Kerala, where Covid cases are on the rise.
Q.3. What are the symptoms associated with the JN.1 variant?
Ans. Individuals testing positive for the JN.1 COVID variant may exhibit respiratory symptoms. Notably, some patients experience symptoms for an extended period, lasting a month or two.
Q.4. How is Kerala responding to the rise in COVID cases?
Ans. Kerala is closely monitoring the situation, and authorities may implement restrictions and precautionary measures in key areas if the number of cases continues to increase.
Q.5. Is there immediate cause for alarm regarding the JN.1 variant?
Ans. While experts reassure the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm, continuous monitoring of the virus is crucial to assess the situation.
