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Not Just JN.1 virus ,other mutants may be causing Covid spike in India ,Says Experts

Published On : 2023-12-26T22:10:02+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Amit_Rahangdale
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The recent spike in active covid-19 cases in India could be due to other variants like BA 2.86 and not just JN.1 variant, experts says "Based on whatever information we get from the sources it appears that JN.1 can infect many at a time compare to other mutants. In India , the virus is present and with the time it might pre-dominate. But Having said that, other strains also trend to exist and can continue causing the infection. "said Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, epidemiologist, former ICMR scientist and member of the government covid-19 task force.

Considering that many more active cases are not being registered, say those with milder symptoms, it is tough to say that only JN.1 is causing a surge. We have to wait a bit more," Gangakhedkar said.As per the health ministry data on Tuesday, India reported 412 new covid cases and three deaths in Karnataka on Tuesday. With 4,170 active cases nationwide, genome sequencing revealed 69 instances of the JN.1 strain. This variant is also found in other countries, including the US, where it accounts for 39% to 50% of cases, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The US is doing extensive mapping of all existing variants and the JN.1 was seen as more susceptible. This has happened because there is a race for survival among mutants … if there are say 1,000 variants, only those with more fitness will survive," Dr Gandakhedkar stated. “When we talk about the presence of JN.1, it doesn't mean everybody will get infected by the same variant. Because this virus continues to belong to Omicron family, it is just that JN.1 is fitter to survive."

Kerala did not report any new cases in the last 24 hours, while Goa recorded the highest number of JN.1 cases at 34. Other states that have also reported JN.1 cases are Maharashtra [9] Karnataka [8], Kerala [6], Tamil Nadu [4], and Telangana [2]. Rajasthan and Odisha have also reported cases.

Dr Lalit Kant, former ICMR scientist cautioned that the current surge might be due to both JN.1 and BA.2.86 variants. "It is not necessary that all the cases that are being reported now are owing to JN.1 strain. The variants keep circulating and mutating. However, one variant will be dominant only, and going ahead, JN.1 might emerge as a dominant strain. But the problem is there is not enough data currently available in India," Kant said.

JN.1, with an additional spike protein, is more transmissible than BA.2.86. It is a descendent of the Omicron variant, and evolved from the BA.2.86 lineage, first identified in August 2023 in India. Both variants share similar characteristics, but JN.1's extra spike protein sets it apart.

Here are the guidelines imposed by the department:-

The department reiterated that all elderly (60 years and above), comorbid (particularly with kidney, heart, liver ailments, etc.), pregnant women and lactating mothers, shall avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas. However, when outdoors shall wear face masks covering nose and mouth.

For new year celebrations, the department said COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB) of social distancing, face masking, hand-sanitisation and respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette shall be adhered to. “Persons with respiratory symptoms shall avoid places of festivities and recreational centres (including swimming pools) and seek medical consultation,” it added.

1) Wear Mask Properly

2) Make Your Environment Safer

3) Keep Good Hygiene

4)Avoid Public Gathering Places.

Source : MINT

Tags : virus , symptoms , diseases , India , Covid , expert , JN1 ,

Summary : Covid Is Coming Back ? Experts have discovered new mutants which are capable of replicating and spreading "Covid" immensely.

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