COVID-19: The JN.1 coronavirus strain was classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday. The WHO stated that the strain’s current assessment of the risk to public health is minimal.
The top ten most recent COVID variant modifications are listed below.
- In India, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha have recorded the most cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala saw 292 new COVID-19 cases that are now active along with three deaths on Wednesday. There are currently 2,041 active cases in the state. Over the previous three years, Kerala has seen 72,056 COVID-19-related deaths.
- According to ANI, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated at the COVID-19 review conference that it is time to collaborate using a “Whole of Government” strategy by closely collaborating. “We must remain vigilant, but there is no reason to become alarmed. Being ready with hospital readiness drills, heightened surveillance, and efficient interpersonal communication is critical. Every three months, a simulated exercise should be conducted in every hospital. I pledge the States’ full support of the center. Politics has no place in the health sector,” he said.
- In light of the frigid winter weather and the impending festival season, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya challenged all states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure preventive measures are observed.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated earlier this month that, according to the organization’s most recent estimates, the JN.1 subvariant accounts for 15% to 29% of infections in the US as of December 8.
- The CDC made it clear that, in contrast to other common variations, no data indicates that JN.1 poses an enhanced risk to public health. Additionally, the government said that Americans might be adequately protected against this variety with an upgraded vaccine.
- “The additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low based on the available evidence.” Despite this, JN.1 may contribute to a rise in respiratory illnesses in several nations as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere. The virus that causes COVID-19, JN.1 and other circulating forms of SARS-CoV-2, continue to be dangerous and deadly, but current vaccinations continue to protect against them,” the WHO stated on X.
- COVID-19 number of 19 cases in Singapore appears to have stabilized over the past week, but as a precaution, specialists advise exercising caution and using masks in busy, enclosed areas. According to PTI, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded a notable 75% rise in instances the prior week, with 56,043 cases as opposed to 32,035 cases the week before.
- According to a PTI article, the president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, Professor Paul Tambyah of the NUH, stated that people shouldn’t be concerned about increased COVID-19 infections. Instead, individuals ought to “just be sensible about taking precautions about their health, not go to work or school if they are unwell and seek medical attention instead,” Tambyah stated.
- The Indian government released a piece of advice on Monday, asking state governments to make sure there are enough health precautions in place in light of the recent increase in COVID cases and the discovery of the JN.1 subvariant in Kerala. “Considering the upcoming festive season, there is a need to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimize the risk of increase in disease transmission by adherence to the maintenance of respiratory hygiene,” the advice stated.
- The center also gave the states instructions to monitor the prevalence of respiratory illnesses at the district level. “To detect the early rising trend of cases, ensure regular monitoring and reporting of district-wise influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness cases in all health facilities, including in the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal,” the statement read.
