New sub-variant of Covid-19 called JN.1 detected in Kerala

A new sub-variant of COVID-19 called JN.1 has been detected in Kerala and symptoms like sore throat, fever, runny nose, headache and minor gastro-intestinal problems in some cases have been reported in patients so far. 

This variant was detected as part of ongoing routine surveillance conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), which is a network of laboratories that has been monitoring COVID-19 in India from a genomic perspective. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is part of this consortium.

Kerala’s health minister Veena George noted that the variant was detected among Indians at Singapore airport 2-3 months ago and said that the government is monitoring the situation closely. She added that people with comorbidities should be taken care of.

Four COVID-19 deaths were also reported in the state amid the spike in COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks. Around 700 to 1000 COVID-19 tests are administered daily in Kerala, and the state also reports the highest testing rate in the country. 

According to a report by news agency ANI, preparedness measures have been initiated by the Union Ministry of Health. A drill is currently being conducted by the ministry at all health facilities in states to assess their public health and hospital preparedness measures.