New Delhi: In a recent press conference, Dr. N K Arora, the head of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), discussed worries surrounding the JN.1 virus, a sub-variant of the Corona virus. Dr. Arora emphasised that specific doses of vaccinations are not necessary for JN.1. He clarified that while cases of JN.1 have been reported in Bharat, their severity is comparatively lower.
Dr. Arora recommended preventive measures for individuals aged 60 and above, stating, “I would say prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses.”
Speaking about the evolving nature of the virus, Dr. Arora noted, “We have identified over 400 subvariants, or mutations, of this virus, and fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have really been associated with more severe disease or hospitalizations.”
“Symptoms of JN1 are similar to other Omicron subvariants, including fever, nasal discharge, cough, occasional Diarrhea, and severe body aches.” Dr. Arora assured that patients with JN.1 typically recover within two to five days.
Providing statistics, he stated, “Within Bharat, from October last week till now in the last 8 weeks, we have seen 22 cases. There is no evidence that it is spreading very rapidly. JN.1 is less than 1 percent of all the isolates so far. Recently, the number of cases has certainly increased, and the testing has also picked up.”
Despite an increase in reported cases, Dr. Arora reassured the public that there is no significant rise in hospitalizations. While Kerala has seen a higher number of cases, he pointed out that in other states where testing has increased, there is no notable surge in severe disease requiring ventilation or resulting in deaths.
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