Delhi reports 1st case of JN.1 variant, says health minister – Top Covid-19 Updates in India

As India is witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases, Delhi has now reported its first case of JN.1 sub-variant on Wednesday, city Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj confirmed told news agency ANI.

Delhi reports first JN.1 case

The first case of JN.1 was found in the national capital hours after authorities sent multiple samples for genome sequencing and one of them tested positive for the new variant.

Delhi reports the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 & two are Omicron: Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj to ANI

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

"Out of the 3 samples sent for genome sequencing, one is JN.1 and two are Omicron," Bhardwaj said.

JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is a mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj

(File pic) https://t.co/t1TbmlY8iA pic.twitter.com/PzujxS7tjF

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

Earlier in the day, the city’s health department revealed that nine fresh cases of Covid-19 were detected in the city in the last 24 hours. Currently, Delhi has recorded 35 active cases. One person, who had comorbidities, died on Wednesday with Covid not being the primary reason.

Speaking to PTI, an official said, “The man was not from Delhi and was referred to a private hospital recently. He had multiple comorbidities and the Covid finding was incidental. The sample of the man has been sent for genome sequencing and a report is awaited.”

Covid-19 updates:

Meanwhile, India has recorded 40 additional cases of the Covid-19 variant JN.1 in the last 24 hours. This takes the total tally of infections from this new mutant strain to 109 so far, as per officials.

Gujarat reported the highest number at 36 cases, followed by 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 each in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana.

Is the situation panicking in India?

Despite the recent spike in overall Covid cases, authorities say there is no major cause for concern currently. Around 92% of those infected are opting for home isolation, indicating mild illness.

However, the Centre has directed all states and union territories to ensure strict adherence to guidelines for revised surveillance of Covid-19. This includes increased genome sequencing, data analysis and monitoring of variants.

What is Covid-19 sub variant JN.1?

First identified in the US last year, the JN.1 sub-lineage of Omicron is said to be more transmissible than other strains. Experts believe it could become the dominant variant globally.

In India, it is being closely tracked along with XBB and BF.7 as cases have surged since the beginning of 2023. But authorities stress there are no reports of increased disease severity yet.

Mass vaccination coverage and public adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour remain vital to control the spread of existing and emerging variants. With JN.1 cases rising, states are reinforcing surveillance and containment measures.