Covid-19: India Logs 640 Fresh Cases, 7 Deaths; JN.1 Strain Enters Noida, Mumbai

In response to the emergence of the JN.1 variant, former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan reassures the public, as India reports 26 cases, including the first Covid case in months in Gautam Buddh Nagar, prompting heightened vigilance and government responses.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 22 December 2023 9:25 am

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In the face of growing concerns over the emergence of the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus, which has led to seven new Covid fatalities reported on Friday?– three in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Punjab – Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former chief scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), has stepped forward to allay fears. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dr. Swaminathan conveyed a message of caution but emphasized that there is no immediate need for panic. She pointed out that the WHO has classified the JN.1 variant as a "variant of interest" rather than a "variant of concern." According to her, current data does not indicate an elevated level of severity or increased mortality associated with this variant.

JN.1 Variant Cases Across India

India has reported a total of 26 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant, prompting heightened attention. The majority of cases, 19 to be precise, were identified in Goa. Additional cases have been reported in Rajasthan, Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra.

All 19 cases in Goa have been confirmed as inactive, with the variant detected during genome sequencing of collected samples. State epidemiologist Dr. Prashant Suryavanshi assured the public that patients with the JN.1 variant experienced mild symptoms and have successfully recovered.

In recent developments, two cases of the JN.1 sub-variant were reported in Jaisalmer on Wednesday, with two additional cases emerging in Jaipur on Thursday.

Maharashtra's First JN.1 Case

On Wednesday, Maharashtra identified its initial case of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Sindhudurg, linked to a traveler from Goa who has since fully recovered. Despite consistent daily testing levels hovering around 500, the state health department urges an escalation in testing across districts, anticipating a potential rise in the daily Covid-19 caseload. The state reported a total of 14 new Covid-19 cases on the same day, bringing the active SARS-CoV-2 cases to 45. Mumbai leads with 27 active cases, followed by Pune and Thane, each with eight cases.

Covid-19 Fatalities and Severity

As of the latest update, India recorded 640?fresh Covid-19 cases, raising the total number of active infections to 2,669.

India recorded six new Covid fatalities on Thursday, with three reported in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Punjab. Health officials emphasized that the reported deaths primarily occurred among individuals grappling with pre-existing serious illnesses. Notably, the available data indicates that Covid-19 is not manifesting severe symptoms or causing widespread fatalities. Officials stated that the majority of individuals testing positive exhibit mild symptoms, recovering at home without severe complications.

In Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, a Noida resident who works in Gurugram has tested positive for Covid. This marks the first case in several months for the district. The patient, a 54-year-old male, is asymptomatic, and his test sample is currently undergoing genome sequencing in Delhi.

The patient had recently traveled to Nepal and returned to work in Gurugram. Despite being asymptomatic, he voluntarily underwent a Covid-19 test. Authorities confirm that this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddh Nagar so far.

Health officials urged residents to adhere to Covid-appropriate measures, including regular handwashing, maintaining social distance, using sanitizers, and wearing masks. It was noted that testing for the virus has seen a decline in the district this year.

Meanwhile, responding to the evolving situation, the Karnataka government has decided to form a cabinet sub-committee for proper coordination with experts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after a meeting with ministers, officials, and experts, appealed to the public not to panic but to exercise caution. He emphasized the importance of following preventive measures, such as wearing face masks, to contain the spread of Covid-19.