Amid rising concerns over the renewed batch of active Covid-19 cases, health authorities are urging implementation of renewed vigilance despite low risk level. Recently, the ultra-transmissible JN.1 variant caused 257 active cases till May 19.
As per media reports, over the past week, India registered 164 new Covid-19 cases, mostly in Kerala (95), Tamil Nadu (66), and Maharashtra (56). However, the health officials have repeatedly emphasised that India’s risk level remained low and there’s no cause for panic.
About JN.1 Variant: An Omicron Descendent
Being a lethal descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, the highly transmissible JN.1 variant has quickly become a dominant global strain owing to its potent immune evasion.
According to the experts, a specific mutation (L455S) in its viral spike protein increases its potency by making it 1.5 times more transmissible than XBB.1.5.
India’s current surge is linked to this variant with newer subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8. Although these strains don’t lead to more severe illness than previous Omicron types, their ability to spread faster makes them harder to contain.
Situation Being Monitored
In view of the rising concern, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, especially with neighboring countries like Singapore and Hong Kong seeing sharp rises in cases.
In response, updated guidelines urge continued precautions: stay current on vaccinations and booster shots, wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, practice hand hygiene, and isolate if symptomatic. Special caution is advised for the elderly and immunocompromised, who remain most vulnerable.
Covid Cases Rising In Southeast Asia
Cases of Covid-19’s resurgent JN.1 variant are on a rise in the Southeast Asian regions of Singapore and Hong Kong, also China and Thailand. The respective health ministries have advised people to take new booster vaccinations.
Till May 3, around 14,200 cases have been reported in Singapore and hospitalisation has risen by 30%, the Economic Times reported. The Hong Kong officials have said that the virus’ level has reached “quite high.”
“The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are monitoring a recent increase in COVID-19 infections in Singapore. There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.” Singapore’s health ministry stated in a press release dated May 13.
Thailand too has reported a spike in cases, with 33,030 in the week ending May 17, doubling from 16,000 cases reported in the previous week, according to Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, NDTV reported. Other cities tally at Chon Buri (2,573), Rayong (1,680), and Nonthaburi (1,482).
