The most dangerous epidemic is again hitting India and many cases have been spotted in many states. This epidemic is the new variant JN 1 of “COVID-19” and doctors are claiming that it is pretty dangerous and effective as compared to previous variants. Many necessary guidelines have been issued in the wake of this new variant. Besides, several fake news stories have been circulating online which are causing panic among people. Hence, it is important to address the situation and to share original information on it. This article will particularly talk about the new variant named “JN1- Variant”. We will also talk about the symptoms of it and how to prevent it.
As per The World Health Organisation, this new variant of COVID-19 was first detected in the United States in September. However, the spread of the JN1 variant was slow but within a few weeks, it started growing and it is assumed that in the upcoming weeks, the cases will increase more. The effect of the JN1 variant is already visible in many parts of India and many death news has been reported in this context. In the growing wake of the JN1 Variant, the WHO has declared this variant as a variant of interest due to its “rapidly increasing spread” on 19th December 2023. However, the agency has not labelled this new variant as a “variant of concern”.
What Exactly The New JN 1 Variant Is
According to the WHO, it is a new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has the potential to increase severity and decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine along with serious impacts on health. People are looking to know if the JN1 variant is more dangerous as compared to previous variants of COVID-19. This variant is closely related to a fellow Omicron descendent labelled as “BA.2.86”. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these two variants of Coronavirus are closely related to each other and only the difference in their spike proteins. It is a part of the virus that permits the virus to invade human cells.
Surge in JN1 Covid Variant Cases: 628 Reported in India
As of now, the JN1 Variant is considered the less dangerous as no such evidence related to it comes forth but still, it has taken the lives of people in the Southern part of India. According to the reports, on Monday, 25th December 2023, the JN1 Covid Variant in India registered a single-day rise and around 628 cases of the new variant have been reported. As per the data updated on Tuesday morning by the Department of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of active cases is around 4,054. In addition to this, 63 cases of Coronavirus sub-variant JN.1 were reported in the nation till Sunday. Whereas in the country, the overall number of Coronavirus cases stands at around 45,009,248.
On Monday, the government of Karnataka registered 34 cases of the JN1 variant and 3 deaths have been reported. The new data states that a total of 69 cases of the JN1 variant have been reported in the nation till now and most of the cases of this variant are coming from Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka. Despite watching the growing cases of this new variant, many doctors and scientists are requesting the public to not panic. According to Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, the former scientist of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it is time for the public to not panic and accept COVID-19 as a permanent part of their lifestyle.
Precautionary Third Dose for High-Risk Patients, No 4th Dose for General Public
This surprising statement of the former scientist of ICMR has sparked debate on social media and people are quite surprised with the statement of him. The top epidemiologist of India further added that “Virus continues to live with us and it will continue to come up as a new variant after a gap of a few months…As long as there is no increase in cases of hospitalisation and deaths, there is no reason to ring an alarm”. Even the Health Ministry has stated that there is no need for a booster dose.
N.K. Arora, the chief of India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) states that there is no requirement for the 4th booster dose of vaccine against the JN1 variant despite the rising numbers of the cases. He said, “Only those over 60 years of age who have comorbidities and high-risk patients in this age group can take a precautionary third dose if they have not taken one till now. As of now, there is no need for a 4th dose in the general public. We would advise precaution and not panic.”
He further added, “Fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have been associated with more severe disease or hospitalization.” Still, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent the JN1 variant. In this regard, we are sharing the details of JN1 variant symptoms and requesting people to pay attention if they are facing any of these and make direct contact with doctors to avoid the serious consequences of.
What are symptoms of JN 1 Variant and How To Check For New Covid Variant?
Some of the symptoms of the new variant of COVID-19 are quite similar to other variants as shared by the WHO. Continue to know:
- Fatigue
- New loss of smell or taste
- Cough
- “Brain fog”
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, vomiting, mild diarrhea)
- Difficulties in breathing
- Muscle Aches
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Nausea
- Uneasiness
- Body aches
- Diarrhea
Necessary Guidelines And Advisories Issued By States
In the wake of rising cases of JN1 variant, the Central government issued an advisory to all the states of India. The advisory stated that “All elderly (60 years and above), comorid {particularly with heart, kidney, live ailments, etc), lactating mothers, and pregnant women when outdoor, shall wear face masks, and strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas.”