A new variant of COVID-19 is making its presence known in the world. India is seeing a rise in JN.1 variant cases and a recent one was found in Maharashtra. A man from Sindhudurg tested positive for the COVID-19 JN.1 variant. Read on to know more details.
41-YO Man In Maharashtra Tested Positive For COVID-19 JN.1 Variant
Sindhudurg in Maharashtra reported the first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 on Wednesday. Hasan Mushrif, the minister of medical education for Maharashtra, has advised all hospitals and medical institutions in the state to remain ready as cases of the new COVID-19 type are becoming more widespread across the nation and the Union Health Ministry is requesting states to increase testing and surveillance. Maharashtra, however, reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, which was one of the highest daily totals in months.
The Union Health Ministry announced statistics on Wednesday indicating that 21 cases of the ‘JN.1’ variety have been found nationwide. In one instance, a 41-year-old male from Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, tested positive for the novel variation. The patient, who had previously travelled from Goa, made a full recovery with no issues.
There are currently 45 active SARS-CoV-2 infections in the state after 14 new cases were recorded on Wednesday. With 27 patients, Mumbai has the most active cases out of all of them, followed by Thane and Pune, each with eight instances in a district.
A study published in The Indian Express on Wednesday stated that the state has an average of one to three new COVID-19 cases each day from November 30 to December 9 of this year. But things took a turn for the worst on December 18, when 13 new cases were reported, and then again on December 19, with 11 cases.
Also Read: COVID-19 Cases Surge In Some Asian Countries; Face Masks & Scanners Return At Airports
Rise In Cases & Points To Note
In Maharashtra, the number of active cases had risen to 35 by Tuesday, indicating a steady increase in infections over the previous few days.
Not new, the sub-variant JN.1 is a progeny of the BA.2.86 variety, popularly called Pirola. The first worldwide occurrence of this variation was reported as early as January of this year, with cases initially discovered in the US in September.
In Maharashtra, there are still over 500 tests conducted every day. Districts have been instructed by the state health department to intensify daily testing in anticipation of a daily increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Points To Note:
- There are 260 new cases recorded in India with a total of 1,828 active cases.
- The government has advised to report symptoms and increase testing, after seeing a spike in the case.
- The Karnataka administration has stated that it has taken all necessary precautions and has rejected the idea that border movement restrictions are currently necessary.
- The increase in cases in Kerala has prompted the Union Health Ministry to advise states to exercise caution.
- The World Health Organisation warns that COVID-19 JN.1 subvariant is still evolving and changing.
- The JN.1 variety spreads quickly and is quite skilled at dodging the immune system.
Also Read: Karnataka Makes Masks Mandatory For People Above 60 Amid Rise In COVID JN.1 Cases In Kerala
With the rising cases, it is better to take necessary precautions.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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