Insacog Discovers 19 More Sequences of JN.1 Covid Variant, Sparking Concerns
PUNE: The central government forum of labs, Insacog, has identified 19 new sequences of the JN.1 variant, also known as the BA.2.86 or Pirola descendant, across India. The subvariant, which was first detected in Kerala a few days ago, has raised alarms as it is believed to be contributing to a surge in Covid cases in several countries, including the United States.
Out of the 19 sequences found, one was reported in Maharashtra, while the remaining 18 were detected in Goa. This discovery comes at a time when India’s active Covid case count has more than doubled in just nine days, growing from 938 on December 11 to 1,970 on Tuesday.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, warned of the rapid spread of the JN.1 sublineage in western nations. He pointed out that wastewater surveillance in these countries had revealed remarkably high loads of this variant, indicating a significant volume of infections within the communities.
Furthermore, Dr. Jayadevan highlighted the spike in wastewater surveillance conducted by the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru. He explained that this spike typically precedes regional surges by approximately 10 days, cautioning that the detection of cases depends on efficient testing for individuals showing compatible symptoms.
An Insacog official stated that a recent fatality in Kerala was not solely attributed to Covid but resulted from a combination of pre-existing health conditions. The official also mentioned that the 18 JN.1 samples found in Goa were linked to a single event, a recent film festival. Additionally, the JN.1 case from Maharashtra was detected at the Goa-Maharashtra border. However, the official assured that there have been no clinical implications so far, and there is no immediate cause for concern. The rise in Covid cases in India is believed to be a seasonal or winter phenomenon.
Vinod Scaria, a genome sequencing expert and researcher at Mumbai’s Vishwanath Cancer Care Foundation, revealed that JN.1, a sublineage of the Omicron variant, was discovered during the monitoring of the emergence of lineage BA.2.86 in August 2023.
According to the updated Insacog dashboard, a total of 20 JN.1 sequences have been identified, with 18 from Goa and one each from Kerala and Maharashtra. Additionally, a BA.2.86 sequence was also found in Goa.
Dr. Jayadevan emphasized that this revelation showcases a completely new variant profile compared to the significant number of XBB sequences previously reported by Insacog India in April 2023. Consequently, after a gap of seven months, India is experiencing a resurgence of Covid cases. The present wave of infections is driven by this novel subvariant, which originated from BA.2.86, originally observed in Scandinavia in July 2023.
As the JN.1 variant continues to be a topic of concern, health authorities and experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess its impact and potential implications for public health. Vigilance in conducting widespread testing, efficient contact tracing, and adherence to safety protocols will remain vital in curbing the spread of this variant.
The government is expected to provide further guidance to the public as more information becomes available. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to stay informed, follow recommended preventive measures, and seek medical assistance if they exhibit any Covid-related symptoms.
The battle against Covid continues, and it is crucial for everyone to play their part in keeping themselves and their communities safe during these challenging times.
