01/7Indian government is preparing to tackle this COVID variant
In the wake of JN.1 variant found in Kerala, the neighboring Karnataka government has made it mandatory for senior citizens to wear masks. In its preparedness measure, the state government has urged those with comorbidities, and symptoms of cough, phlegm and fever to mandatorily wear face masks.
"There is no need for anyone to worry. We had held a meeting day-before-yesterday and our technical advisory committee headed by Dr (K) Ravi had met yesterday and there was a discussion between our officials and experts regarding the measures to be taken," Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters.
As of now there is no restriction on the movement of people from the neighbouring state Kerala.
Meanwhile, the central government has issued advisory to all states and union territories over concerns about the new subvariant JN1. States have asked to monitor and report District-wise Influenza-like Illness (ILI) & Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities.
02/7JN.1 variant, which has been traced in several countries, is a variant of interest (VOI)
As per the latest update from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in November, BA.2.86 the Omicron subvariant, and its sublineages (including JN.1) are classified as a variant of interest (VOI). As on November 21, the WHO had said that: a notable descendent lineage of BA.2.86 is JN.1 (BA.2.86 + S:L455S) with a global proportion of 3.2% in epidemiological week. As on December 8, JN.1 projected to comprise between 15-29% of currently circulating variants in the United States, the CDC reported. "Currently, our best estimate indicates about 21% of circulating viruses may be JN.1," the US CDC had said.
03/7What is a variant of interest for WHO?
Read also: Is the new COVID strain JN.1 causing pneumonia?
04/7Is JN.1 variant the most infectious variant so far?
JN.1, closely associated with BA.2.86 is being tracked by the US CDC since August. On December 8, the first case of the virus infecting an individual was detected in India's Kerala. Until recently, JN.1 was grouped with BA.2.86 on COVID Data Tracker the US CDC says. It is very similar to the BA.2.86 variant and there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike protein. So far, serious symptoms in connection to the infection have not been detected. The case found in India had mild symptoms of influenza like illness.
05/7What is Influenza like illness?
Read also: Infected by COVID-19 in the past 3 waves? Read this
06/7What is Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)?
Read also: Symptoms of new COVID variant JN. 1: Is it life threatening?
07/7Preventive measures to follow
Preventive measures for COVID-19 are crucial to reduce the spread of the virus and protect individuals and communities. Here are key recommendations:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wear masks in indoor public spaces, crowded outdoor settings, and where social distancing is challenging.
Ensure masks cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without gaps.
Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from individuals not in your household.
Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors when possible.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
Stay updated on the latest information and follow guidance from health authorities.
Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing if symptomatic.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly, especially in shared spaces.
Be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Adherence to these preventive measures, along with public health recommendations, can contribute significantly to controlling the spread of COVID-19. It's important to adapt these measures based on the evolving situation and guidance from health authorities.
Keep track of the latest updates on the JN.1 variant and follow guidelines from health authorities like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO)
COVID: One case of JN.1 subvariant found in Kerala; symptoms similar to influenza like illness
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