New COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Spreads Rapidly in India, with Over 500 Cases Reported

Image Credit - The Indian Express

India is once again grappling with a surge in COVID-19 cases, and this time, a new variant labelled JN.1 is causing heightened concern. 

The variant is spreading rapidly, with over 500 cases reported within a short span, according to a report released by the Ministry of Health.

In the past 24 hours alone, the country has witnessed 761 new COVID-19 cases, with 12 reported fatalities. 

The total number of active cases has surged to 4,334. Kerala has recorded the highest number of deaths, with five fatalities, followed by Karnataka, where four individuals succumbed to the virus. 

In the last 24 hours, Karnataka has reported 298 new cases, further adding to the worry.

The situation is particularly alarming as the JN.1 variant is demonstrating swift transmission capabilities. 

The central and state governments are closely monitoring the escalating cases and have been issuing new guidelines to curb the spread.

Maharashtra, following Karnataka, has reported a significant increase in cases related to the new variant. 

On Thursday, 78 cases of the JN.1 variant were confirmed, bringing the total number of COVID-19 patients in the state to 110 Cases. In the last 24 hours, Maharashtra recorded 171 new cases, underscoring the growing challenge of the pandemic.

The Health Ministry is working tirelessly to address the rising concern, regularly releasing updated guidelines. 

It has urged states and Union Territories to adhere to these guidelines to effectively combat the spread of the virus.

As the nation battles the resurgence of COVID-19, the capital city, Delhi, and its surrounding regions in North India, as well as states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala, are witnessing a surge in infected patients. 

The Ministry of Health's bulletin on Thursday reported 761 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of active cases beyond 4,000.

The situation in Karnataka is particularly worrisome, as the state has not only reported a significant increase in cases but also a rise in the positivity rate. According to the daily bulletin, Karnataka's positivity rate has jumped from 3.46% to 3.82%, indicating a continuous rise in infections. 

Of the 298 new cases reported in Karnataka, 172 were from Bengaluru alone. The state health department has emphasized the need for strict adherence to preventive measures.

New Guidelines to Protect from New COVID-19 Variant JN.1

The public is urged to remain vigilant, use face masks consistently, practice thorough hand hygiene, and avoid crowded places. Special attention is advised for children and the elderly, as they are more vulnerable to severe complications. 

The battle against COVID-19 continues, and everyone is encouraged to play their part in keeping themselves and their families safe.