312 Covid sub-variant JN.1 cases found across India

New Delhi: According to INSACOG data updated on Tuesday, a total of 312 cases of Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been found in the country so far, of which about 47 percent cases have been reported in Kerala.

So far ten states and union territories have detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

These states are Kerala (147), Goa (51), Gujarat (34), Maharashtra (26), Tamil Nadu (22), Delhi (16), Karnataka (eight), Rajasthan (five), Telangana (two) and Odisha ( 1), According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

INSACOG data showed that JN.1 was present in 279 Covid cases recorded in the country in December, while 33 such cases were detected in November.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a separate ‘variant of interest’ given its rapidly increasing spread, but said it poses a ‘low’ global public health risk.

The world body said the JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously classified as a variant of interest (VOI) as part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineage, the original lineage which was classified as a VOI. Has been done

However, in recent weeks, JN.1 cases have been reported from several countries and its spread has rapidly increased globally.

Amid the rise in the number of Covid cases in the country and the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant, the Center has asked the states and union territories to maintain constant surveillance.

India has recorded 573 new coronavirus infections, while active cases stand at 4,565, according to data released by the Health Ministry on Tuesday.