Hidden Covid-19 threats grappling India? Doctors claim there's more than JN.1

A recent spike in active Covid-19 cases across India has sparked fears that new coronavirus variants could be driving the surge. While the JN.1 variant has been identified in several states, experts believe other strains such as BA.2.86 may also be fuelling the rise.

Are there more Covid variants behind current situation?

"Based on the information we have, it appears JN.1 can infect many at a time, more than other mutants," stated Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, a prominent epidemiologist and former scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research. "In India, the virus is present and may predominate over time. However, other strains also exist and can continue causing infections," he added.

Gangakhedkar explained that as many milder cases often go unreported in India, it is difficult to conclusively state that JN.1 alone is behind the recent spike. "We need to wait a bit longer," he cautioned.

How many cases of JN.1 reported in India so far?

On Tuesday, the health ministry reported 412 new cases and three deaths in Karnataka. Nationwide, genome sequencing has so far revealed 69 instances of the JN.1 variant amongst 4,170 active cases. JN.1 is gaining ground globally, accounting for up to 50% of cases in the United States as per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

"There is a survival race among mutants - those with greater fitness will prevail," Gangakhedkar remarked. "Just because JN.1 is present doesn't mean everyone will be infected by it. Since it belongs to the Omicron family, JN.1 is simply fitter to survive."

Which states are affected by JN.1 most?

While Kerala recorded zero cases in the last 24 hours, Goa registered the highest number of JN.1 cases at 34. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have also reported JN.1 cases, alongside Rajasthan and Odisha.

However, former ICMR scientist Dr Lalit Kant warned the surge could be due to both JN.1 and BA.2.86. "It's not necessary all cases now are from JN.1. Variants keep circulating and mutating. Going forward, JN.1 may become dominant but currently, there's insufficient data in India," he explained.

What is Covid variant JN.1?

JN.1 has an extra spike protein making it more transmissible than BA.2.86. Descended from the Omicron variant, JN.1 evolved from the BA.2.86 lineage first identified in India in August 2022. The two share similar traits, but JN.1's additional spike protein differentiates it.

With active cases rising, experts concur more genomic sequencing and data analysis are critically needed to accurately track emerging variants like JN.1. Whilst it shows signs of dominance, other strains continue to pose an infection risk. Authorities urge continued vigilance, masking and vaccination as India aims to keep Covid-19 at bay.