COVID-19 Cases in India: Alarming Surge, Sub-variant JN.1 of COVID-19 Detected in Maharashtra

COVID-PatientsDetection of Sub-variant JN.1 in Patients from Maharashtra.

COVID-19 Highlights in India:

• On Friday, India reported a total of 328 active COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 265 cases identified in Kerala.In the past
• 24 hours, Kerala registered 265 fresh COVID-19 cases and one fatality, according to data from the Union health ministry’s website.
• Out of the 328 new infections reported across the country, Kerala accounted for 265, bringing the state’s active cases to 2,606. Kerala’s health minister, Veena George, assured the public that the state’s healthcare facilities are well-prepared to handle the situation.
• On Thursday, India recorded 594 new COVID-19 cases, resulting in an increase in the active case count from 2,311 to 2,669, as per Union health ministry statistics.
• In Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar, a resident of Noida tested positive for COVID-19, marking the region’s first case in several months.
• In response to the detection of the new Corona variant, heightened measures have been implemented at Doon Medical College’s Government Hospital in Uttarakhand, strengthening isolation wards and other arrangements.
• Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, addressed concerns about the new JN.1 Covid-19 variant, stating that there’s no immediate need for alarm as it’s categorized as a variant of interest and not of major concern. The overall risk of JN.1 remains low based on existing evidence, as emphasized by the WHO.
• Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public about the JN.1 Covid variant, stating that there is “nothing to worry” and that the situation is “under control.” Genomic sequencing has been ongoing since November in Kerala.
• Gurugram reported its second case of Covid infection, with the health department taking necessary actions to prevent the spread of the disease. The patient is a 42-year-old woman with no previous travel history.
• The Karnataka government established a cabinet sub-committee on Friday to monitor the COVID-19 situation in response to the rising number of cases. The committee, including Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and other cabinet ministers, aims to coordinate efforts to manage the current scenario. Neighboring states have also heightened vigilance following the recent surge in COVID cases.
• A 19-year-old student, recently returned from Australia to Jodhpur, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to officials on Friday. The decision to undergo testing was prompted by the emergence of mild symptoms, such as cold, coughing, and sneezing. The positive result, received on Friday, led to the student’s quarantine at home.
• Medical teams have collected samples from the student’s 10 family members who had contact with her. Officials reported that the student is experiencing only mild symptoms, and she has been isolated at home. Following medical advice, appropriate medication has been initiated.

Deputy Chief Medical and Health Officer Preetam Singh stated that daily sampling for COVID-19 has resumed, specifically targeting individuals suspected of exhibiting symptoms. This case represents Jodhpur’s first instance of COVID-19 for the current year.

As of Thursday, the country has confirmed the presence of twenty-two cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, with twenty-one cases reported in Goa and one in Kerala, according to official sources. In Goa, there is no evidence of clustering among JN.1 variant cases, and all affected individuals have recovered without complications.

The infected individuals displayed symptoms consistent with a mild upper respiratory tract infection, including a mild dry cough and a sore throat, with or without fever. None of the cases developed severe complications.

In November, sixty-two samples were forwarded to various INSACOG labs for whole genome sequencing to identify the JN.1 variant. Additionally, as of Friday, 253 samples have been sent in December, as reported by the sources.

Rajasthan Health Department Establishes State-Level Covid Management Team

Amid a surge in Covid cases nationwide, the Rajasthan health department has formed a state-level team dedicated to the prevention and control of Covid infections. Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, issued an order to constitute this team, as confirmed by an official statement on Friday.

Singh explained that the team is being organized in response to the increasing number of Covid infections reported in several states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Live Updates on Covid Cases in India: Andhra Pradesh CM Assures No Need to Panic Over New Strain

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy reassured the public regarding the JN.1 coronavirus strain, urging calm after a meeting with officials, as reported by news agency PTI. Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, Reddy urged the village and ward secretariat systems to stay alert. He also stressed the need for village clinic staff to be well-informed about actions against the new variant, advocating proactive measures.

Officials conveyed to the Chief Minister that there is no cause for alarm regarding the new variant, as individuals infected are recovering without complications. They highlighted that those with the JN.1 variant are recuperating without needing hospitalization, distinguishing it from the Delta variant, which previously required hospital care for many patients.

Patients with the new JN.1 variant have been detected in Maharashtra, prompting the initiation of antigen COVID testing and vaccination following the directives of the chief minister. Additionally, Wadia Hospital under Thane Municipal Corporation is conducting antigen testing in response to the situation.

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