Three years ago, the global way of life faced a formidable pandemic, Coronavirus, which has now resurfaced in India with concerns growing in Kerala due to the emergence of a new variant, JN.1, associated with COVID-19. Kerala and the central government are closely monitoring this development. According to information from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the samples collected from patients in Kerala who exhibited severe symptoms have been identified with the JN.1 variant.
On November 18, samples were collected from patients in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode districts for RT-PCR testing. By December 8, these samples confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant. Although individuals affected by this variant in Kerala have shown improvement in their health, concerns have heightened in the state over the past week.
In the last 24 hours, 312 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country, with Kerala contributing significantly to this count, reaching 280 confirmed cases of the new JN.1 variant. The focus is now on testing and surveillance in Kerala, with an increase in testing and surveillance facilities.
Both the central and state governments are taking necessary measures, and healthcare facilities are being prepared. Local representatives in Kannur have discussed necessary actions with health authorities. This variant was initially identified in the UK and later in France and the United States.