Maharashtra reports 50 Covid cases, 9 of them JN.1 infections

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div id=”pcl-full-content”>Maharashtra on Sunday reported 50 Covid cases of which nine are JN.1 infections, officials said, adding that Mumbai recorded half of the total Covid cases.

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The health department, however, said that all the patients infected by JN.1 variant were in home isolation with mild symptoms and have recovered.

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The first JN.1 case was identified in Sindhudurg on December 20. Among the cases, five are from Thane, two from Pune Municipal Corporation, and one each from Pune rural, Akola, and Sindhudurg.

Health officials noted that one patient is nine years old, two are between 20 and 30 years of age, and the rest are 40 years and above. Eight of the infected have received both doses of Covid vaccine.

The JN.1 patient from Pune had a travel history to the United States of America.

The JN.1 variant emerged in August in Luxembourg and is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage of SARS-CoV-2.

In response to the rising cases, the central government directed the states to send all Covid-19 test swabs for whole genome sequencing. Health experts have said that there is no need for panic, but urged the residents to be vigilant.

Former AIIMS director Randeep Guleria observed that despite its gradual dominance JN.1 variant doesn’t cause severe infections. The WHO classified JN.1 as a Variant of Interest, stating there is no evidence of increased risk compared to other variants. Current vaccines are deemed effective, he said.

Sports Minister Sanjay Bansode directed officials to ensure government hospitals are equipped with ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and essential items.

“The construction of health centres will be expedited, and testing kits are available for symptomatic patients. Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College in Latur has reserved 50 beds for new cases, and a mock drill has been conducted to be ready with ventilators and oxygen facilities,” he said.