No Immediate Concern Over JN.1 Sub-Variant in Kerala, Experts Urge Continuous Monitoring

Amid reports of the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron variant in Kerala, experts reassure that there is no cause for immediate concern. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant in the state, which is currently experiencing a surge in Covid cases. JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and was first detected in Luxembourg in August before spreading to other countries. While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged concerns over JN.1 for its potential to evade the immune system, experts emphasize that it is not a new variant and has already been prominent in 38 countries globally. Symptoms associated with JN.1 are reported to be mild, with no requirement for oxygen, ICU beds, ventilators, or reported deaths.

As of the latest Union Health Ministry data, India recorded 1,185 new coronavirus infections, with Kerala reporting the highest at 1,039 cases. The state has seen a recent increase in cases, with active cases spiking from 33 to 768 in just one month. Experts call for continuous monitoring of the situation and emphasize that while vigilance is necessary for the scientific community, there is no need for immediate concern among the general public. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the JN.1 sub-variant as a “notable descendent lineage,” suggesting potential increased transmissibility, but current data does not indicate an elevated public health risk or severity compared to other circulating variants.