India Registers 1,701 New COVID Cases, New Sub Variant Detected In Kerala

India reports the total COVID-19 active cases to 1,701, with five deaths in the last 24 hours. A new sub-variant has also been reported in Kerala. 
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India Registers 1,701 New COVID Cases, New Sub Variant Detected In Kerala

As per the Union Health Ministry, 335 fresh cases of Covid-19 were recorded on Sunday, increasing the number of active cases to 1,701 across the country. Along with the new cases, five deaths have also been reported in the last 24 hours, four of which were in Kerala and the last one in Uttar Pradesh. Out of the active 1,701 cases, 1,523 have been recorded in Kerala which the health department says is because of more tests being conducted in Kerala than any other states. 

COVID Sub-Variant Reported In Kerala

New Covid-19 Sub-Variant Detected In Kerala

Because of the regular surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been reported in a 79-year-old woman in Kerala. The infection was detected when her sample was collected in Karakulam in the Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state on December 8 for a routine RT-PCR test. It is being reported that the woman was suffering from Influenza-like symptoms and has now recovered from COVID-19. 

Also Read: Mental Health Of Gen Z Worst Affected By COVID Pandemic: Report

Previous Detection

The JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 infection was previously detected in an Indian passenger, traveling to Singapore. The passenger was from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district and traveled to Singapore on October 25. However, the state didn’t see any surge in cases after the strain was detected, neither in Tiruchirapalli nor anywhere else. 

What is Omicron JN.1 Sub-Variant?

This sub-variant of COVID-19 was first reported in Luxembourg, Europe, and is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86). What makes this variant stand out is the fact that it has particularly significant mutations, especially in the spike protein. These mutations would most likely contribute to increased immune evasion and ineffectivity. 

Also Read:  New COVID Variant JN.1 May Become Dominant In The US: CDC

On Sunday, Veena George, Kerala Health Minister clearly stated that this detection of Omicron JN.1 sub-variant is not a cause of concern. She has given the reassurance that the situation is being clearly monitored and will be managed well. However, she also advised the general public to stay cautious, especially people with coexisting health conditions. 

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