In an update from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), Nagaland has emerged as the latest among 17 states and Union Territories in India to confirm the presence of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1. The total reported cases of JN.1 across the country have reached 1,200, as highlighted by INSACOG on Saturday, January 13.
According to data compiled by INSACOG, Karnataka tops the list with 215 JN.1 cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh (189), Maharashtra (170), Kerala (154), West Bengal (96), Goa (90), Tamil Nadu (88), and Gujarat (76). Telangana and Rajasthan have each recorded 32 cases, Chhattisgarh 25, Delhi 16, Uttar Pradesh 7, Haryana 5, Odisha 3, and Uttarakhand and Nagaland with one case each.
Concerned about the rising numbers, as per a PTI report, the Centre has called for heightened vigilance across states and Union Territories. Authorities urge compliance with operational guidelines for the revised surveillance strategy for COVID-19, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring and reporting of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases on a district-wise basis.
While the World Health Organisation has designated JN.1 as a “variant of interest” due to its rapid spread, it assesses the global public health risk as “low.” The sub-variant was previously part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, classified as a variant of interest by the WHO.