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COVID JN.1 scare: Karnataka government makes mask mandatory for older people; other preventive measures to follow

COVID JN.1 scare: Karnataka government makes mask mandatory for older people; other preventive measures to follow

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Dec 20, 2023, 21:09 IST

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Indian government is preparing to tackle this COVID variant

In the wake of JN.1 variant found in Kerala, the neighboring Karnataka government has made it mandatory for senior citizens to wear masks. In its preparedness measure, the state government has urged those with comorbidities, and symptoms of cough, phlegm and fever to mandatorily wear face masks.

"There is no need for anyone to worry. We had held a meeting day-before-yesterday and our technical advisory committee headed by Dr (K) Ravi had met yesterday and there was a discussion between our officials and experts regarding the measures to be taken," Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters.

As of now there is no restriction on the movement of people from the neighbouring state Kerala.

Meanwhile, the central government has issued advisory to all states and union territories over concerns about the new subvariant JN1. States have asked to monitor and report District-wise Influenza-like Illness (ILI) & Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities.

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JN.1 variant, which has been traced in several countries, is a variant of interest (VOI)

As per the latest update from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in November, BA.2.86 the Omicron subvariant, and its sublineages (including JN.1) are classified as a variant of interest (VOI). As on November 21, the WHO had said that: a notable descendent lineage of BA.2.86 is JN.1 (BA.2.86 + S:L455S) with a global proportion of 3.2% in epidemiological week. As on December 8, JN.1 projected to comprise between 15-29% of currently circulating variants in the United States, the CDC reported. "Currently, our best estimate indicates about 21% of circulating viruses may be JN.1," the US CDC had said.

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What is a variant of interest for WHO?

Ever since the COVID-causing coronavirus was detected, the WHO had categorised the variants as variant of concern, variant of interest and variant under monitoring. WHO considers variants of interest (VOI) if the virus has mutations that are suspected or known to cause significant changes from its original strain and is spreading widely in many places or many countries. A variant of concern (VOC) is a COVID variant which is known to have one or more of the following: spreads more rapidly, causes more severe disease, change in clinical presentation, escapes the body’s immune response and decrease effectiveness of known public health measures, diagnostics, treatments or vaccines.

Read also: Is the new COVID strain JN.1 causing pneumonia?

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Is JN.1 variant the most infectious variant so far?

JN.1, closely associated with BA.2.86 is being tracked by the US CDC since August. On December 8, the first case of the virus infecting an individual was detected in India's Kerala. Until recently, JN.1 was grouped with BA.2.86 on COVID Data Tracker the US CDC says. It is very similar to the BA.2.86 variant and there is only a single change between JN.1 and BA.2.86 in the spike protein. So far, serious symptoms in connection to the infection have not been detected. The case found in India had mild symptoms of influenza like illness.

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What is Influenza like illness?

Influenza-like illness (ILI) refers to a set of symptoms resembling influenza, primarily characterized by the sudden onset of fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat. ILI can be caused by various viruses, including the influenza virus, as well as other respiratory viruses like rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. The symptoms are often more severe than those of the common cold and can lead to complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. ILI is highly contagious and typically spreads through respiratory droplets. While vaccines and antiviral medications may help prevent or mitigate the impact of influenza, proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and respiratory etiquette, are crucial in minimizing the spread of ILI in the community.

Read also: Infected by COVID-19 in the past 3 waves? Read this

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What is Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)?

Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is a medical term used to describe a potentially life-threatening respiratory condition marked by severe and abrupt onset of symptoms. Typically, SARI manifests as a sudden and serious respiratory infection, often involving the lower respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Common symptoms include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. SARI can be caused by various infectious agents, including influenza viruses, coronaviruses (such as SARS-CoV-2), and other respiratory pathogens. Given its severe nature, SARI requires prompt medical attention, and patients may need hospitalization for supportive care, including oxygen therapy and, in severe cases, mechanical ventilation. Timely identification, isolation, and treatment of SARI cases are crucial for preventing further complications and reducing the risk of transmission in healthcare and community settings.

Read also: Symptoms of new COVID variant JN. 1: Is it life threatening?

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Preventive measures to follow

Preventive measures for COVID-19 are crucial to reduce the spread of the virus and protect individuals and communities. Here are key recommendations:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wear masks in indoor public spaces, crowded outdoor settings, and where social distancing is challenging.
Ensure masks cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without gaps.
Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from individuals not in your household.
Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors when possible.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of used tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
Stay updated on the latest information and follow guidance from health authorities.
Be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing if symptomatic.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly, especially in shared spaces.
Be vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Adherence to these preventive measures, along with public health recommendations, can contribute significantly to controlling the spread of COVID-19. It's important to adapt these measures based on the evolving situation and guidance from health authorities.
Keep track of the latest updates on the JN.1 variant and follow guidelines from health authorities like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO)

COVID: One case of JN.1 subvariant found in Kerala; symptoms similar to influenza like illness