Centre issues alert to states as JN.1 variant emerges in India | Fusion - WeRIndia

Amidst the ongoing battle against COVID-19, a new concern has emerged in India with the detection of the JN.1 variant in a 79-year-old lady from Karakulam, Kerala.

This variant, descended from the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86, is now prompting urgent actions from health authorities.

The Union Health Secretary, Sudhansh Pant, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the Centre and state governments to maintain the current low rates of COVID-19 transmission.

The discovery of JN.1, thought to have originated from the Pirola variant, BA.2.86, first identified in the United States in September 2023, has heightened concerns.

In a letter to states and union territories, Pant underscored the importance of adhering to the updated COVID-19 surveillance plan guidelines.

Medical facilities have been urged to actively monitor and report instances of severe acute respiratory illness and influenza-like illness at the district level to detect emerging trends swiftly.

To enhance vigilance, states are requested to follow recommended testing protocols, ensuring the appropriate share of RT-PCR and antigen tests.

Moreover, the Centre has called for increased community awareness to engage public cooperation in managing COVID-19, with a focus on maintaining respiratory hygiene.

Pant stressed the necessity of sending positive samples for genome sequencing to Indian SARS COV-2 Genomics Consortium laboratories.

The frequency of RT-PCR testing should also be heightened to promptly identify any novel variations within the country.

The advisory from the centre underscores the importance of implementing public health measures and other arrangements, especially with the festive season approaching.

The JN.1 variant, with over 30 mutations in the spike protein, suggests a potential for immune evasion. It raised concerns about its impact on the current COVID-19 treatment regimen.

While revised vaccinations are anticipated to enhance protection against the JN.1 variant, the health authorities ensure that the current COVID-19 treatment protocols remain effective.

As India confronts this new challenge, a unified and vigilant approach is paramount to mitigate the risk of further transmission during the upcoming festivities.

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