New Covid-19 Variant In India: Top Signs And Symptoms Of The JN.1 Strain

 

The symptoms of the JN.1 strain usually improve within four to five days.

 

 

A new Covid-19 variant that could be more infectious than previous variants has recently been detected in Kerala. In India, the JN.1 strain was first detected in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram on December 8. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was first detected in the US in September. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant (an Omicron sub-variant). The World Health Organisation has classified the JN.1 strain as a "variant of interest." However, WHO has also mentioned that the global public health risk posed by JN.1 is low.

What are the symptoms of JN.1?

It’s not known whether JN.1 causes different symptoms from other variants, according the CDC.

“Right now, there’s nothing that says that JN.1 infection is any different from previous COVID variants in terms of disease severity or symptoms, but we’re paying close attention.

The symptoms of JN.1 appear to be similar to those caused by other strains, which include:

• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fever or chills
• Loss of sense of taste or smell

According to the CDC, the type and severity of symptoms a person experiences usually depends more on a person’s underlying health and immunity rather than the variant which caused infection.

While severe infections do still occur, overall “(COVID-19) is causing a lot of milder illness,” says Schaffner.

Some doctors have reported that upper respiratory symptoms seem to follow a pattern of starting with a sore throat, followed by congestion and a cough.

The doctors have also reported that most patients experience mild upper respiratory symptoms. These symptoms usually improve within four to five days.

In some cases, the new variant may also present with a loss of appetite and persistent nausea.

Loss of appetite when accompanied by other symptoms can indicate the onset of the JN.1 variant. It is also advised to seek medical consultation if these symptoms are present.

Covid variant JN.1 spreading, but no rise in hospitalisations seen yet
 

As COVID-19 infections rise around the United States, a heavily mutated new variant called JN.1 has quickly become the dominant strain nationwide. The fast-spreading omicron subvariant now accounts for nearly half of all cases and is expected to keep fueling infections through the holiday season.

JN.1 is also gaining speed in many other countries. On Dec. 18, the World Health Organization classified JN.1 as a “variant of interest” due to its “rapidly increasing spread” globally.

During a two-week period ending on Dec. 23, JN.1 accounted for about 44% of cases in the U.S., per the CDC’s latest data. This was a steep increase from the previous two-week period ending on Dec. 9, when JN.1 made up 21% of cases.

Respiratory virus season has yet to peak in the U.S., which means COVID-19 cases are expected to rise in the coming weeks.

Scientists around the world are closely monitoring JN.1, which has sparked some concern due to its rapid growth and large number of mutations. However, the new variant is closely related to a strain seen before: BA.2.86, aka "Pirola," which has been spreading in the U.S. since the summer.

JN.1 has one additional mutation compared to BA.2.86, which has more than 30 mutations that set it apart from the omicron XBB.1.5 variant. XBB.1.5 was the dominant strain for most of 2023 and it's the variant targeted in the updated COVID-19 vaccines, TODAY.com previously reported.

All of the most prevalent COVID-19 variants in the U.S. right now are descendants of omicron, which began circulating in late 2021.

During the last few weeks, JN.1 quickly overtook many other variants, including its parental strain BA.2.86, as well as HV.1, EG.5 or Eris and XBB.1.16, aka Arcturus.

JN.1's growth comes as COVID hospitalizations rise, influenza continues to spread and RSV activity remains high in many places. The agency warned that at the end of the month, emergency rooms and hospitals could become strained, similarly to last year, especially in the South.

Will JN.1 cause a COVID-19 surge? Does JN.1 have different symptoms and is it still detected by COVID tests? Does it respond to vaccines and treatments? Here's what experts know about JN.1 so far.

What is JN.1, the new COVID-19 variant?

JN.1 was first reported in August 2023 and it has spread to at least 41 countries so far, according to the WHO. It was first detected in the U.S. in September, the CDC said.

Just like the other newer variants, JN.1 is part of the omicron family.

JN.1 descended from BA.2.86, which is a sublineage of the omicron BA.2 variant, TODAY.com previously reported — that's what sets JN.1 and BA.2.86 apart from the other prevailing variants like HV.1 and EG.5, which descended from omicron XBB.

“When its parent BA.2.86 emerged, everybody was worried because it had a lot of mutations and looked like it was going to evade a lot of the immunity from vaccines and infection in the population,” Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., professor and vice chair in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, tells TODAY.com. “But (BA.2.86) sort of fizzled out,” he adds.

"Now it's circulating and growing at a really fast rate compared to other variants, as well as the parent it’s derived from (BA.2.86),”

Is JN.1 more transmissible?

“One of the things these (omicron variants) have in common is that they are highly contagious, and as new variants crop up, they seem to be as contagious or even more contagious than the previous variants,” says Schaffner.

According to the CDC, the continued growth of JN.1 suggests that the variant is either more transmissible or better at evading our immune systems.

“It’s probably a little bit more transmissible than its parental virus because we’ve seen an increase in case numbers that we didn’t with (BA.2.86). However, it is too early to tell how exactly JN.1's transmissibility or immune escape properties compare to other variants, such as HV.1, the experts note.

Many of the newer strains, including JN.1, have another mutation that affects how strongly the spike protein binds to cells in the respiratory tract.  “We know that it’s probably helping the virus become better at replicating and helping the virus evade more of that pre-existing immune response,” he adds.

JN.1 does not pose an increased public health risk compared to other variants currently in circulation, the CDC and WHO said.

The genetic changes in JN.1 could give it an advantage over other variants, but it’s unclear how that will affect cases in the coming months. So far, “there doesn’t seem to be a massive increase in transmission. ... We would be concerned if there was a huge surge in cases,” says Pekosz.

Will JN.1 cause a surge?

“Right now, JN.1 is increasing in terms of the percentage of COVID-19 cases it’s causing, and there’s also been a slight increase in total cases.

Hospitalizations have also risen by 12.7% and ICU admissions by 12.1% in the last two weeks.

"The good news is that as of yet we're not seeing severe disease or hospitalizations going up significantly, and ICU admissions are still very low, but we're going to watch these carefully," says Phillips.

COVID-19 activity was expected to rise around this time as the U.S. enters winter and respiratory virus season, the experts note. In recent years, the virus has followed a pattern of increasing and peaking around new year, according to the CDC.

"Right now, we do not know to what extent JN.1 may be contributing to these increases or possible increases through the rest of December," the CDC said. Only time will tell whether JN.1 or another variant will cause a surge in infections this winter.

Do COVID-19 tests detect JN.1?

All COVID-19 diagnostic tests — including rapid antigen tests and PCR tests — are expected to be effective at detecting JN.1, as well as other variants, according to the CDC.

Testing is an important tool to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, especially ahead of holiday gatherings, says Schaffner.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are often indistinguishable from those caused by other viruses spreading right now, the experts note. These include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

The experts urge anyone who becomes ill or is exposed to COVID-19 to take a test, especially people at higher risk of severe disease, such as people over the age of 65, who are immunocompromised and who have underlying health conditions.

Every American can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests from the government, which will be delivered by mail via the U.S. Postal Service. To order your free tests, go to COVIDTests.gov.

"Get tested because, whether it's COVID or flu, we have treatment available," says Schaffner. Current treatments are also expected to be effective against JN.1, the CDC said.

How to protect yourself from JN.1

Every day, but especially during respiratory virus season, people can take steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

The experts encourage everyone to:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Test if you have symptoms.
• Isolate if you have COVID-19.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Improve ventilation.
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Karnataka logs 173 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

 

With this, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the state after the recent spike in cases is more than 10, they said.

BENGALURU: Karnataka on Friday reported 173 fresh cases of Covid-19 and two coronavirus related deaths in the last 24 hours.

This takes the total number of active cases in the state to 702, the health bulletin said.

With this, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the state after the recent spike in cases is more than 10, they said.

According to the bulletin issued by the health department, in the last 24 hours, 37 patients have been discharged, total 8,349 tests have been conducted including - 6,400 RTPCR and 1,949 Rapid Antigen tests.

The positivity rate stands at 2.07 per cent while case fatality rate was 1.15 per cent.

A maximum number of tests were conducted in Bengaluru.

Out of the 2,616 tests conducted, 82 have been found positive for the virus, which is the highest as compared to other districts of the state.

The deceased were aged 59 and 69 respectively both admitted in Bengaluru Urban district.

Both of them had symptoms of fever and cough, the bulletin stated.

As on Friday, the total active cases reported in the state stands at 702.

Out of these, 649 people are in home isolation while the remaining 53 are hospitalised, it added.

Amid a spike in cases and detection of JN.1 infections in the state, the Karnataka government's cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus advised people to wear masks, not send children with symptoms to schools, adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour like social distancing, seven days home isolation and leave for infected patients.

It has also decided to administer a "precautionary vaccine" for the aged and those with comorbidities and to get 30,000 doses of the Corbevax vaccine from the Centre for this purpose.

• Karnataka logs 173 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths 

Cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 rises to 69 in India: Sources

With six more cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, the number of infections of the new variant reported in the country have risen to 69, official sources said on Tuesday. Most of these patients are currently in home isolation and there was no increase in hospitalisation rates, they said.
 

Even though the number of cases is rising and the JN.1 sub-variant has been detected in the country, there is no cause of immediate concern as 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment, indicating a mild illness, officials had said.

Understanding the latest COVID Variant JN.1: What we know so far

The fact that COVID variant JN.1 is still spreading indicates that it is either more contagious or more adept at eluding human defences than other variations that are in circulation. It cautions the population's most susceptible members to avoid contracting the virus. Here’s all we have come to know about this contagious variant:

 

JN.1 (BA.2:86.1) emerged in late 2023 is descendant of the BA-2.86 lineage (Pirola) of SARS COV2. BA.2.86 lineage, first identified in August 2023, is phylogenetically distinct from the circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB lineages, including EG5.1 and HK.3.

BA. 2.86. carries more than 30 mutations in the spike (S) protein, indicating a high potential for immune evasion. SL455F mutation may contribute to increased transmissibility and immune escape ability.

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The only mutation in the spike protein that separates the JN.1 variant from Pirola or BA. 2.86 is a single one. Although its high transmissibility and mild symptoms are similar to those of earlier Omicron strains, there are some symptoms that people should be aware of since they could not be as mild as those of prior Omicron variants.

JN.1 is currently considered a variant of interest (VOl) by WHO as it is associated with increased chance of transmissibility due to significant mutations in spike protein. However, data on severity is still scarce.

As JN.1 variant spreads, doctors urge COVID vaccinations

 

Experts report that fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in some cases, mild gastrointestinal issues are the earliest signs of the JN.1 COVID strain. There are some patients who may also have trouble breathing. Symptoms related to upper respiratory tract infection like running nose, nasal block, sore throat are common. Other symptoms include myalgia, fever, cough, loss of taste and smell. Most of the infections are mild but worsening of breathlessness and fall in oxygen saturation levels may indicate worsening pneumonia and warrants further evaluation and management.

 

Though most of the observed infections are mild, severe pneumonia may be seen amongst patients with Diabetes, underlying chronic heart or lung disorders and those with low immunity. Early data suggest that the current variant has a higher transmission rate and the symptoms are similar to prior variants.

 

States wih most number of JN.1 Covid cases

Kerala

Currently, Kerala has almost 78 JN.1 Covid cases.

 

Gujarat

Second on the list is Gujarat with 76-77 Covid cases.

 

Goa

Right now, Goa has almost 18 cases and the number can increase because of New Years.

Karnataka

The state has 8 active JN.1 Covid cases.

 

 

Maharashtra

State has 7 Covid cases.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan has five active Covid cases.

157 cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1 detected in India; highest from Kerala, Gujarat: INSACOG

 

157 cases of Co sub-variant JN.1 detected in India; highest from Kerala, Gujarat: INSACOG
 

A total of 157 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the country, with Kerala reporting the highest number of 78, followed by Gujarat at 34, according to the INSACOG's data updated on Thursday. Several states have been reporting an uptick in the number of Covid cases over the last few weeks and nine states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.
 

 

 

Covid-19 JN.1: 162 Cases Of Covid Sub-Variant Detected In India; Kerala, Gujarat Among Worst-Hit States.

There have been 162 cases of Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 detected nationwide, with Kerala reporting the highest number at 83, followed by Gujarat with 34 cases, according to data updated by INSACOG on Friday.

Over the past few weeks, several states have reported an increase in Covid cases, and nine states and Union territories have so far identified the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

These states include — Kerala (83), Gujarat (34), Goa (18), Karnataka (eight), Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) and Delhi (one), according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

According to INSACOG data, JN.1 was found in 145 out of the 145 Covid cases that were reported nationwide in December; the remaining 17 cases had the virus in November.

Despite its fast  spreading nature, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated JN.1 as a distinct "variant of interest" and stated that it presents a "low" risk to global public health.

The world body stated that the JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously categorized as a variant of interest (VOI) as a component of the parent lineage that is categorized as a VOI, the BA.2.86 sub-lineages.

Nonetheless, JN.1 cases have been reported from several nations in recent weeks, and the virus's prevalence has risen sharply worldwide. Due to an increase in Covid cases and the discovery of the JN.1 sub-variant in the nation, the Center has requested that the states and Union territories keep a continuous watch.

 

 

117 new Covid cases in Maharashtra, restrictions advised at first task force meet© Provided by The Indian Express

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 117 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total count of active cases to 369. The first meeting of the Covid task force was also held on Thursday, where vulnerable groups were advised to strictly adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially during the festive season.

 

The state conducted a total of 12,416 tests. This included 2,243 RT-PCR tests — the gold standard for Covid testing — and 10,173 with rapid antigen. The test positivity rate, indicating the percentage of positive Covid-19 cases among the total tests conducted, stood at 0.94 per cent.

This reflects a slight increase when compared to the previous day, which was at 0.80 per cent. Maharashtra conducted 10,864 tests, with 87 samples testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Mumbai recorded a total of 25 cases of Covid-19.

In response to the emergence of the JN.1 variant, though currently considered to pose a moderate threat, citizens were strongly advised to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour and exercise heightened vigilance. Dr Tanaji Sawant, Maharashtra's Health Minister, stressed the importance of citizens adhering to preventive measures and that they should promptly seek medical attention if necessary.

Manipur reported a fresh case of COVID-19 after a prolonged period without new infections. The infected individual, who hails from Paomata in Senapati district, had travelled from Delhi to Dimapur by air and subsequently from Dimapur to Senapati by road.

The exact virus variant remains undetermined, as samples have been sent for genome sequencing to ascertain more details.

Authorities are closely monitoring the - situation to prevent any potential spread of the virus.

The surge in COVID-19 cases has become a new concern in the country with the emergence of sub-variant JN.1 and various states reporting fresh cases.

According to Union Health Ministry data, India in the last 24 hours recorded 692 fresh cases of Covid-19. The active caseload increased by four, reaching 4,097.

The official data stated that Six deaths were reported in the last 24 hours - two in Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala and. West Bengal.

Since, the outbreak of coronavirus in January 2020, the total count has reached 4,50,10,944. The total death toll in India has risen to 5,33,946.

Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the JN.1 sub-variant in various states, after AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital has also reserved beds for patients and made other arrangements including oxygen and testing.

Daily Covid cases rise to 797, a 7-month high; 5 more deaths

India reports highest daily Covid-19 infections in over seven months with 797 new cases and 5 fatalities. Daily cases rise gradually due to JN.1 variant and cold weather conditions. Previous peak was 752 cases on December 22. In total, over 4.5 crore people infected and 5.3 lakh deaths in four years. Recovery rate at 98.8 per cent. 220.6 crore vaccine doses administered. JN.1 variant not associated with increased severity, but long-term complications remain a concern.

 

NEW DELHI: Covid-19 infections continued to gradually inch up in the country, with 797 new cases being detected in the last 24 hours, the highest in over seven months, and five fresh fatalities. Two deaths were reported from Kerala and one each from Maharashtra, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, the health ministry said.
The last time India had reported a higher number of daily cases was on May 18, when the count was 865. The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but cases have again gone up after the emergence of JN.1, a new variant, and cold weather conditions.
Last week, the highest daily number of fresh Covid cases in the country was 752, recorded on December 22. This week’s peak (so far) is only slightly higher, showing that the infection numbers are rising only gradually.
 

The daily numbers were in lakhs at the peak of the pandemic, which began in early 2020 and has seen more than 4.5 crore people getting infected and over 5.3 lakh deaths in about four years since then across the country. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease stands at over 4.4 crore with a national recovery rate of 98.8%. According to the health ministry, 220.6 crore doses of Covid vaccines have been administered in the country.

 

 

Dr Neeraj Nischal, additional professor, department of medicine at AIIMS, said the available evidence on JN.1 did not suggest that there were any significantly increased disease severity parameters like increased hospitalisation, oxygen/ventilator requirement or mortality among infected persons, relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages.
“The risk evaluation will be clearer as more evidence arises. But we have to remember that apart from acute severity, data on long-term complications of Covid-19 infection is also emerging even in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, hence we need to keep our guard up against infection.