A newly identified COVID-19 variant, designated as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization (WHO), has raised concerns in India. Named the JN.1 subvariant, it originates from Luxembourg and is considered a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), which itself is part of the Omicron sub-variant lineage.
The emergence of the JN.1 variant has contributed to an uptick in India’s active COVID-19 cases, reaching 1,828 as of Monday, December 18, with one reported death in Kerala, where the variant was recently detected. In response, the central government has issued advisories to state governments, urging them to ensure adequate healthcare preparations.
The symptoms associated with the JN.1 COVID variant, as described by the World Health Organization, are generally mild to moderate. These symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. Most patients typically experience mild upper respiratory symptoms that improve within four to five days.
Additionally, specific indications of the JN.1 variant include a loss of appetite and persistent nausea. Profound fatigue, exceeding normal COVID-19 fatigue, is another notable sign characterized by extreme exhaustion and muscle weakness. Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and nausea might also occur, albeit in rare cases.
Health experts express concerns about the potential increased transmissibility of the JN.1 variant, compounded by factors like holiday gatherings, low COVID-19 vaccination rates, and the presence of a new variant. Medical professionals recommend mask-wearing in crowded settings as a primary preventive measure against the spread of this variant.
It is noted that over 90% of COVID-19 cases in India are mild and manageable through home isolation.
