New Delhi, 12-01-2024 : The tally of COVID-19 cases linked to the sub-variant JN.1 has surged past the 1,000 mark, marking a concerning development as Uttar Pradesh becomes the latest state to confirm its presence. This revelation comes from data compiled by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), revealing that a total of 16 states and Union Territories have reported cases of this sub-variant.
Among the states, Karnataka leads the chart with 214 cases, closely followed by Maharashtra (170), Kerala (154), Andhra Pradesh (189), Gujarat (76), and Goa (66). Telangana and Rajasthan have both recorded 32 cases of JN.1, while Chhattisgarh has documented 25, Tamil Nadu 22, Delhi 16, Uttar Pradesh 6, Haryana five, Odisha three, West Bengal two, and Uttarakhand one, according to INSACOG’s data.
The Centre has issued a cautionary directive to states and Union territories, urging heightened vigilance in light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant across the country. States are specifically instructed to ensure strict adherence to the operational guidelines outlined in the revised surveillance strategy for COVID-19, shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Moreover, states are advised to actively monitor and report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) district-wise from all health facilities. This proactive approach is intended to enable early detection of any rising trends in COVID-19 cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 sub-variant as a distinct “variant of interest” due to its rapidly increasing spread. However, the global health body has categorized it as posing a “low” global public health risk. Notably, JN.1 was initially identified as a variant of interest within the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, part of the parent lineage classified as a variant of interest, as outlined by the WHO.