COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in India: Delhi has reported its first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1. On Thursday, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj there are no new cases of JN.1 subvariant of COVID in Delhi at present after one patient infected with the virus was discharged today.
Bharadwaj has said that all health institutions have been asked to ramp up testing and make sure to increase the genome sequencing of all confirmed COVID-19 cases.
“JN.1 variant any offshoot of Omicron virus was first reported from Luxembourg in August 2023. Since then, increasing no. Of cases are being reported from many countries. In USA it accounts for 29 % of all covid cases. In India more than 140 cases from various states like Tamilnadu, Kerala, Goa, Gujarat, and now 1 in Delhi are reported. This variant is being keenly watched because it can evade immune system by virtue of multiple mutations making large no.of people susceptible. Also it has advantage of bthe eing transmitted more easily,” Dr Rajeev Gupta, Director – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi told Financial Express.com.
‘JN.1 variant is causing milder illness’
Dr. Gupta maintains that till now it is causing milder illness as compared to the Omicron variant. “Given its immunoevasion property and better transmission capability, this needs close surveillance. Extending contact tracing wider use of the lab. Testing and general precautions against the spread of this virus especially of immunocompromised people, people with comorbidities, children, andthe elderly,” he told Financial Express.com.
As on today, there is no need for panic because of milder illness and underlying immunity by nature infection or vaccine-induced or hybrid immunity which are likely to prevent any pandemic-like situation, Dr. Gupta emphasised.
“Also our learning from previous waves and likely brisk response in new vaccine development and distribution willcomeinhandy,” he added.
‘JN.1 variant more adept at evading immune system’
Dr. Sapna Yadav, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Greater Noida highlighted that current JN.1 strain is variant of omicron strain of COVID 19, although it spreads more easily but it causes milder illness in majority individuals.
“Prevention is the most effective way to deal, hand hygiene, use of mask and appropriate vaccination is the key. The JN.1 variant shares similarities with previous Omicron strains but has a distinctive mutation in its spike protein. While demonstrating high transmissibility and mild symptoms, it appears to be more adept at evading the immune system and spreading more easily. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting increased severity or higher fatality rates compared to other variants,” Dr. Yadav said.
What are the symptoms and treatment?
Patients infected with the JN.1 variant may experience initial symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in some cases, moderate gastrointestinal problems. Breathing difficulties may also occur in certain patients. Diagnosis involves COVID-19 PCR testing in conjunction with clinical symptom assessment.
According to Dr. Yadav, risk factors for infection include advanced age, male sex, smoking, and pre-existing conditions such as COPD, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and malignancy. Treatment remains supportive, with antivirals such as Paxlovid, molnupiravir (Lagevrio), and remdesivir (Veklury) recommended for individuals at high risk of severe illness with mild to moderate symptoms, according to CDC guidelines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) assures that current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from the JN.1 variant and other circulating COVID-19 variants. Dr. Yadav emphasizes the importance of maintaining protective measures, including mask-wearing, practicing respiratory etiquette, regular hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and staying home when sick.
To safeguard against all SARS-CoV-2 variants, Dr. Yadav recommends adhering to preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded areas, practicing respiratory etiquette, regular hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and staying home when exhibiting symptoms or after exposure to the virus.
Dr. Sapna Yadav underscores the significance of halting the spread of the virus to prevent the emergence of further variants.