Covid variant JN.1 spreading in China, US, now detected in Kerala. 10 points

Experts added that immunity from previous infections and immunisation with vaccines are likely to protect against newer Covid variants as well. (File photo)

Covid sub-variant JN.1 which is currently spreading in the US and China, has been detected in Kerala as part of the ongoing routine surveillance. The case was discovered in an RT-PCR-positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on December 8. The patient--a 79-year-old woman--had mild symptoms of influenza-like illness and has since recovered, reports stated.

Here are 10 points to know about the new Covid variant that is causing a surge in infections worldwide yet again and the measures being taken by health authorities.

1.) The first case of Covid JN.1 variant was detected in the US in September. Seven cases of the specific subvariant were found in China on December 15, according to Reuters news agency. "Even though BA.2.86 and JN.1 sound very different because of the way Covid variants are named, there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike protein," US' Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated.

2.) The spike protein, which resembles small spikes on the virus's surface, plays an important role in the Covid virus' ability to infect humans.

3.) China on December 15 detected seven infections of the Covid subvariant JN.1, reported news agency Reuters, quoting the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15 percent to 29 percent of cases in the US. Although there is an increased chance of the virus being transmitted, the symptoms of JN.1 are relatively mild and there is no news of increased hospitalisation, Hindustan Times stated.

4.) Dr Tushar Tayal, lead consultant, internal medicine, at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, told the publication, "The reported symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough, and, in some cases, mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Because of its transmissibility, JN.1 can become the dominating strain of circulating COVID virus unless proactive preventive measures are not followed which are - frequent hand sanitization, usage of Triply mask, and social distancing."

5.) Addressing the surge in cases of this new variant, Dr Ujjwal Prakash, senior consultant in chest medicine at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital told news agency ANI, that there is no need to panic, but insisted that people stay vigilant. "You need to be more vigilant. I don't think that there's reason to panic or do anything extra than just being vigilant," he said.

6.) Doctors also believe that due to the "spike" in the new variant, it will be easier for vaccines to target it. Dr Tushar Tayal, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, told Hindustan Times, "The spike protein plays a crucial role in helping the virus infect people. Because of this, the spike protein is also part of a virus that vaccines target, meaning vaccines should work against JN.1."

7.) Experts also allayed fears of another wave of Covid outbreak. "I don't think I would be wise enough to say that the new wave of COVID is coming," Dr Prakash told ANI. "It may just pass away like any other viral infection. Let's keep a watch and keep our fingers crossed."

8.) Experts added that immunity from previous infections and immunisation with vaccines are likely to protect against newer variants as well.

9.) Doctors have also advised people to take precautions by wearing masks and undergoing testing if they detect viral infection symptoms.

10.) If symptoms persist, individuals are encouraged to isolate themselves from the general public, experts added.

Read more: Indian exporters cautiously watching respiratory illness in China; say cause of concern if spreads more