The Indian government has urged states and Union territories to maintain vigilance...
Digital Desk: The emergence of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in India has raised concerns, with 162 cases detected nationwide, as per the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
Kerala leads the tally with 83 cases, followed by Gujarat at 34. Other states reporting the sub-variant include Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Delhi.
The month of December saw a significant spike, with 145 reported cases of the JN.1 sub-variant, compared to 17 in November. This uptick has contributed to the growing number of COVID-19 cases across several states, prompting heightened surveillance.
Designated as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization (WHO), JN.1 is recognized for its rapid spread, yet it poses a "low" global public health risk. Initially part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, JN.1 was reclassified as a separate variant due to its increasing prevalence worldwide.
While the WHO underscores the relatively low public health risk, the Indian government has urged states and Union territories to maintain vigilance. This call for heightened awareness comes amid concerns over the rising number of COVID-19 cases and the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant. As the situation evolves, continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to curb the spread of the virus and protect public health.
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