India witnesses a concerning uptick in COVID-19 cases, recording 423 new infections in the last 24 hours. The surge comes alongside the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant, fueling worries nationwide. Former AIIMS director, Dr. Randeep Guleria’s reassurance earlier that JN.1 is not causing severe infections or hospitalizations contrasts with the growing numbers.
The total active cases have climbed to 3,420, reflecting an increase from 2,311. The death toll rose to 5,33,327, with six additional fatalities—three in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Punjab.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, urging caution. However, the global health body emphasized that the overall risk remains low based on current evidence.
India reported 594 fresh COVID-19 infections earlier, prompting concerns about the potential impact of JN.1. Kerala and Karnataka, in particular, saw spikes with 266 and 70 cases, respectively. Delhi reported five new cases in the last 24 hours.
The JN.1 variant is linked to the ‘pirola’ variant BA 2.86. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan from the IMA COVID Task Force highlighted on December 21 that the new strain may pose challenges for the elderly and those with multiple comorbidities.
With the country grappling with this resurgence, health authorities stress the importance of adhering to preventive measures and vaccination protocols. The situation underscores the need for continued monitoring, research, and public cooperation to mitigate the impact of the evolving virus and ensure public health and safety.
