JN.1 COVID Subvariant Detected in Kerala: India Takes Precautionary Measures
The Union Ministry of Health in India has initiated preparedness measures after the identification of a case involving the JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 in Kerala. The detection was part of routine surveillance conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). A mock drill is currently ongoing in health facilities across states, evaluating public health and hospital readiness, and it is scheduled for completion by December 18, 2023. The Union Ministry of Health is in regular communication with the State Department of Health in Kerala and closely monitoring various points of entry. Although most cases in Kerala are reported to be clinically mild, health authorities emphasize the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness to effectively manage the evolving situation related to COVID-19 variants.
The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of Genomic Laboratories, actively monitors the genomic aspects of COVID-19 in India. The JN.1 subvariant was identified in an RT-PCR positive sample from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 8, 2023. The patient, who initially tested positive on November 18, 2023, experienced mild symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered. Dr. Ujjwal Prakash, a senior consultant in Chest Medicine at Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted that JN.1 is a mild variant causing upper respiratory symptoms, and while there is no need for panic, vigilance is crucial. Symptoms reported include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in some cases, mild gastrointestinal symptoms, with most patients experiencing improvement within four to five days. JN.1 was first detected in the United States in September 2023.
