The case was detected in an RT-PCR positive sample in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Scientists around the world are concerned about a new COVID-19 variant that could be more contagious than previous variants. The JN.1 coronavirus strain was recently discovered in Kerala. The case was detected on December 8 in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state. The 79-year-old woman had mild symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and has since recovered from Covid. This variant is causing a renewed increase in infections worldwide and is raising alarm bells among health authorities.
An Omicron subvariant called BA.2.86 or Pirola is believed to be the COVID-JN.1 variant. The case was first discovered in the US in September this year. Seven cases of the specific sub-variant were found in China on December 15, according to Portal. “Although BA.2.86 and JN.1 sound very different based on the naming of the variants, there is only a single change in the spike protein between JN.1 and BA.2.86,” the CDC said in a recent update.
The spike protein, called “spike” because it resembles small spines on the surface of the virus, plays an important role in the virus's ability to infect people. According to the CDC, vaccinations that target a virus's spike protein should also work against JN.1 and BA.2.86.
According to news agency ANI, Dr. Ujjwal Prakash, senior consultant in chest medicine at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital, elaborated on the emergence of this variant and said that while vigilance is crucial, there is no need to panic. “You have to be more vigilant. I don’t think there’s any reason to panic or do more than just be vigilant,” he added.
Fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and, in certain situations, mild gastrointestinal complaints are among the symptoms that have been registered in patients so far. The doctor added that most patients experience mild upper respiratory symptoms that typically improve within four to five days.
“The first way forward is to test, if possible, this new variant of COVID and then we will have to see if they have COVID or another viral infection. In other viral infections, the symptoms are almost very common. They can be a little more serious. Some.” “In patients, some symptoms may be more severe than others, but more or less the infection is like any other viral infection,” said Dr. Prakash told ANI.
“I don’t think I would be smart enough to say the new wave of COVID is coming. It could simply disappear like any other viral infection. Let’s stay vigilant and keep our fingers crossed,” he said about the emergence of JN.1. He advised people to take precautions by wearing masks and undergoing tests if they experience symptoms of viral infection. If symptoms persist, individuals are asked to isolate themselves from the public, the doctor added.