Covid Updates: India Sees 22 JN.1 Cases With Mild Symptoms, Kerala Health Minister Warns Of Surge

India reported at least 22 cases of the JN.1 COVID variant by December 21, with official sources confirming mild symptoms and no reported clustering of COVID-19.

Active COVID-19 cases in India rose to 2,997, recording 640 new infections on December 22, as per the Union Health Ministry's data. The country's total COVID-19 count reached 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with a death toll of 5,33,328. Meanwhile, recoveries surged to 4,44,70,887, with a national recovery rate of 98.81%, according to the health ministry.

The case fatality rate remained at 1.19%, while 220.67 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country, per the ministry's website.

Amid concerns over the new Coronavirus variant, former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan reassured that the JN.1 variant is currently a variant of interest, not concern. She emphasized the need for caution and advised people to adhere to preventive measures.

Dr. Swaminathan highlighted the lack of data suggesting the JN.1 variant's severity or increased fatality. She recommended familiar preventive measures against COVID-19, advising caution in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation and advocating mask use in such settings.

Additionally, she suggested opting for open spaces over closed and poorly ventilated areas, especially with the festive season approaching. Dr. Swaminathan urged individuals experiencing warning symptoms like severe fatigue, prolonged fever, or breathlessness to seek medical attention promptly.

The World Health Organization classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, separate from its parent lineage BA.2.86, emphasizing a low overall risk associated with JN.1 based on current evidence.