India has reported its first case of the JN.1 subvariant of the Omicron variant. The case was identified in Kerala as part of routine surveillance conducted by INSACOG, a multi-agency network monitoring emerging Covid-19 variants across India. The 79-year-old woman tested positive in an RT-PCR test on November 18, exhibiting mild symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) and recovering from Covid-19. The Ministry of Health is conducting mock drills in health facilities to assess public health and hospital preparedness measures.
Officials note an increasing trend in Covid-19 cases in Kerala over the past weeks, attributed to more samples from ILI cases being referred for testing. The majority of these cases are clinically mild, with individuals recovering at home without treatment. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring various entry points and conducting mock drills to ensure preparedness. The drills, initiated on December 13, are supervised by district collectors and expected to conclude by December 18.
The detection of the JN.1 subvariant in India follows a global trend of increased Covid-19 cases associated with this variant in countries such as the US, China, and Singapore. The government is taking proactive measures to evaluate and enhance public health responses and hospital readiness. The woman with the confirmed case of the JN.1 subvariant experienced mild symptoms and has recovered from Covid-19. The health authorities are emphasizing the importance of monitoring and responding to emerging variants to prevent the spread of the virus.
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