In a recent development, the Covid subvariant JN.1, an offspring of BA.2.86, has been identified in parts of Kerala, sparking concerns about its potential impact on public health. The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a pan-India network responsible for sequencing and monitoring threatening Covid-19 variants, has initiated surveillance in the region where JN.1 has been detected.
Detection in Kerala and Previous Cases
The detection occurred in a 79-year-old woman whose RT-PCR test returned a positive result on November 18. The woman had experienced mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had previously recovered from COVID-19. Earlier, an Indian traveler from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district was also found to have the JN.1 subvariant in Singapore after traveling there on October 25. However, no surge in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other places in Tamil Nadu following the identification of the subvariant.
Vaccines and Treatments Still Effective
Initial data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments will continue to offer protection against the JN.1 subvariant. While the subvariant has raised concerns, health authorities emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance, monitoring, and adherence to public health measures to curb the potential spread of the variant.
INSACOG Vigilance in Kerala
In response to the detection of JN.1 in Kerala, INSACOG has intensified its surveillance efforts in the southern state. The consortium, comprised of multiple laboratories and agencies across India, remains committed to its task of monitoring and sequencing new and potentially dangerous variants of the Covid-19 virus.
