Indian government is preparing to tackle this COVID variant
In the wake of JN.1 variant found in Kerala, the neighboring Karnataka
government has made it mandatory for senior citizens to wear masks. In its
preparedness measure, the state government has urged those with comorbidities,
and symptoms of cough, phlegm and fever to mandatorily wear face masks.
"There is no need for anyone to worry. We had held a meeting
day-before-yesterday and our technical advisory committee headed by Dr (K) Ravi
had met yesterday and there was a discussion between our officials and experts
regarding the measures to be taken," Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told
reporters.
As of now there is no restriction on the movement of people from the
neighbouring state Kerala.
Meanwhile, the central government has issued advisory to all states and union
territories over concerns about the new subvariant JN1. States have asked to
monitor and report District-wise Influenza-like Illness (ILI) & Severe
Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities.
JN.1 variant, which has been traced in several countries, is
a variant of interest (VOI)
As per the latest update from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in November,
BA.2.86 the Omicron subvariant, and its sublineages (including JN.1) are
classified as a variant of interest (VOI). As on November 21, the WHO had said
that: a notable descendent lineage of BA.2.86 is JN.1 (BA.2.86 + S:L455S) with
a global proportion of 3.2% in epidemiological week. As on December 8, JN.1
projected to comprise between 15-29% of currently circulating variants in the
United States, the CDC reported. "Currently, our best estimate indicates
about 21% of circulating viruses may be JN.1," the US CDC had said.
What is a variant of interest for WHO?
Ever since the COVID-causing coronavirus was detected, the WHO had categorised
the variants as variant of concern, variant of interest and variant under
monitoring. WHO considers variants of interest (VOI) if the virus has mutations
that are suspected or known to cause significant changes from its original
strain and is spreading widely in many places or many countries. A variant of
concern (VOC) is a COVID variant which is known to have one or more of the
following: spreads more rapidly, causes more severe disease, change in clinical
presentation, escapes the body’s immune response and decrease effectiveness of
known public health measures, diagnostics, treatments or vaccines.
Is JN.1 variant the most infectious variant so far?
JN.1, closely associated with BA.2.86 is being tracked by the US CDC since
August. On December 8, the first case of the virus infecting an individual was
detected in India's Kerala. Until recently, JN.1 was grouped with BA.2.86 on
COVID Data Tracker the US CDC says. It is very similar to the BA.2.86 variant
and there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike
protein. So far, serious symptoms in connection to the infection have not been
detected. The case found in India had mild symptoms of influenza like illness.
What is Influenza like illness?
Influenza-like illness (ILI) refers to a set of symptoms resembling influenza,
primarily characterized by the sudden onset of fever, body aches, fatigue, and
respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat. ILI can be caused by
various viruses, including the influenza virus, as well as other respiratory
viruses like rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. The symptoms are often more severe
than those of the common cold and can lead to complications, particularly in
vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with weakened immune
systems. ILI is highly contagious and typically spreads through respiratory
droplets. While vaccines and antiviral medications may help prevent or mitigate
the impact of influenza, proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and
respiratory etiquette, are crucial in minimizing the spread of ILI in the
community.
What is Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)?
Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is a medical term used to describe a
potentially life-threatening respiratory condition marked by severe and abrupt
onset of symptoms. Typically, SARI manifests as a sudden and serious
respiratory infection, often involving the lower respiratory tract, such as
pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Common symptoms
include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. SARI can
be caused by various infectious agents, including influenza viruses,
coronaviruses (such as SARS-CoV-2), and other respiratory pathogens. Given its
severe nature, SARI requires prompt medical attention, and patients may need
hospitalization for supportive care, including oxygen therapy and, in severe
cases, mechanical ventilation. Timely identification, isolation, and treatment
of SARI cases are crucial for preventing further complications and reducing the
risk of transmission in healthcare and community settings.
Preventive measures to
follow
Preventive measures for COVID-19 are crucial to reduce the
spread of the virus and protect individuals and communities. Here are key
recommendations:
Wash hands frequently with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not
available.
Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wear masks in indoor public spaces, crowded outdoor settings, and where social
distancing is challenging.
Ensure masks cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without
gaps.
Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from individuals not in your
household.
Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors when
possible.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
Stay updated on the latest information and follow guidance from health
authorities.
Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing if symptomatic.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly, especially in shared
spaces.
Be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Adherence to these preventive measures, along with public health
recommendations, can contribute significantly to controlling the spread of
COVID-19. It's important to adapt these measures based on the evolving
situation and guidance from health authorities.
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