The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted societies worldwide. Emerging in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus quickly spread across borders, leading to widespread illness, significant loss of life, and substantial social and economic disruptions. Now, China has detected seven infections of the Covid subvariant JN.1. Here’s what we know so far –
Covid subvariant JN.1 Detected In Kerala
September 2023 saw the first detection of JN.1 in the United States. According to the US Public Health Agency’s estimate as of December 8, between 15 and 29% of all cases in the US are thought to be variant JN.1. Seven cases of the Covid subvariant have been identified in China. Although the prevalence of JN.1 is now very low in the nation, the authorities noted that they cannot completely rule out the chance that the strain could eventually become the predominant strain in China for a variety of reasons, including imported cases.
However, concerns have been raised after a Kerala lady was found to have the Covid sub-variant JN.1. Following the discovery of the case in Kerala, the Union Ministry of Health on December 16 started the preparation process.
The sub-variant has been found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. It has been found in 38 countries so far, including India, and is thought to be responsible for the recent increase in hospitalisation in a few countries.
The case was discovered in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala on December 8, according to Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the ICMR, as published in an article by Mint. On November 18, the sample tested positive for RT-PCR. The 79-year-old woman had moderate Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) symptoms and has since recovered from Covid. The Union Ministry keeps in touch with the Kerala Health Department regularly and monitors numerous access points in the state.
Following the recent increase in cases in Kerala and Singapore, the state administration in Tamil Nadu has taken steps to combat a new Covid outbreak, if one occurs.
Also Read: COVID-19 Cases Surge In Some Asian Countries; Face Masks & Scanners Return At Airports
What Are The Symptoms Of This Subvariant?
JN.1, like other variants and sub-variants found worldwide, is a moderate variant that causes upper respiratory symptoms. Fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in some cases, minor gastrointestinal problems have been recorded. Aside from that, the doctor emphasised that the majority of patients encounter relatively moderate upper respiratory symptoms, which normally resolve within four to five days. The initial step is to test this novel COVID variation, if possible, and then determine whether they have COVID or another viral illness. Other viral infections virtually always cause symptoms. They may be a little more severe. Some people may experience more severe symptoms than others, but the infection is essentially the same as any other viral infection.
Doctors have advised individuals experiencing viral infection symptoms should cover themselves immediately, wear masks to reduce the danger of spreading the infection and seek testing as soon as possible. While the world continues to grapple with the ongoing impact of the virus, the lessons learned from this crisis are shaping a more informed and adaptive approach to future challenges. Till then, staying safe is our cue!
Cover image credits: Canva
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