WHO Designates JN.1 as a Distinct Variant of Interest from Parent Lineage BA.2.86; Health Ministry Data Reveals 92.8% of Cases in India Managed at Home, Suggesting Mild Illness

Acknowledging an increase in the daily COVID-19 positivity rate in certain states, such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, the Union Health Ministry issued an alert on Wednesday. The statement emphasized no clustering of cases reported in the new JN.1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

V.K. Paul, NITI Aayog Member (Health), reported that India has identified 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant so far, with approximately 91%-92% of those affected choosing home-based treatment. Dr. Paul stated that out of these cases, 19 were located in Goa, and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. Over the last two weeks, 16 deaths linked to COVID-19 were documented, with many of the deceased having significant comorbidities, according to Dr. Paul.

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Over the past fortnight, active COVID-19 cases in India, while lower compared to the global situation, have experienced a significant surge, escalating from 115 on December 6 to 614. Ministry data highlights that 92.8% of these cases chose home isolation, suggesting a prevalence of mild illness.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated, after a virtual high-level COVID-19 review meeting with State Health Ministers, that there has been no rise in hospitalization rates attributable to COVID-19. He clarified that cases requiring hospitalization are primarily related to other medical conditions, with COVID-19 being an incidental finding.

The recent alert from the Union Health Ministry closely follows the World Health Organization’s classification of the JN.1 variant as a distinct Variant of Interest (VOI) separate from the parent lineage BA.2.86, owing to its rapidly expanding spread. Initially categorized as a VOI within the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, JN.1 poses a low additional global public health risk, as per current evidence. Despite this, the WHO highlights the potential for increased respiratory infections with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

The WHO assures that existing vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death caused by JN.1 and other circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, committing to continuous monitoring and updates as evidence evolves. The Health Ministry, in response, has directed the reinforcement of the surveillance system for genome sequencing through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network. This aims to promptly detect newer variants and implement necessary public health measures.

States are urged to intensify testing, submit COVID-19-positive samples for sequencing, and undertake regular mock drills to assess the functionality of healthcare infrastructure. The Health Minister emphasizes the importance of staying alert, increasing surveillance, and maintaining sufficient stocks of medical supplies, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines. The Ministry underlines the need for preparedness in light of rising cases globally and the upcoming festive season.

Despite the impressive recovery rate and decreasing case numbers in India, the Ministry stresses that the COVID-19 challenge persists. It requests States to monitor emerging evidence, symptoms, and case severity while promoting respiratory hygiene awareness and combating misinformation. Real-time sharing of information on the COVID portal is encouraged for effective monitoring and prompt public health responses.

The latest Union Health Ministry data reveals a spike in daily infections, with 614 new cases—the highest since May 21. Active cases stand at 2,311, and the death toll is reported at 533,321. The country’s overall COVID-19 case tally is 45,005,978, with a national recovery rate of 98.81%. The Ministry emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance and collective efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic.