With COVID-19 cases surging, the Union Health Ministry urges states to monitor influenza-like illnesses and conduct genome sequencing. Read More>>
Karnataka responded to the situation, instructing senior citizens to wear masks. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao ensures an upcoming order.
The JN.1 variant surfaces in Kerala during routine surveillance. A traveller from Singapore to Tamil Nadu and 15 cases in Goa are also identified.
JN.1, a descendant of Pirola, is not entirely new, first detected in the U.S. in September. It carries one additional mutation on the spike protein.
While JN.1 has mutations on the spike protein, there's no evidence it causes severe symptoms or spreads faster. Both Pirola and JN.1 are neutralized effectively.
Contrary to initial concerns, there's no indication that JN.1 poses a higher risk. WHO assessment shows neutralization by serum from infected and vaccinated individuals.