COVID-19 sub-strain JN.1 detected in elderly woman from Kerala

NEW DELHI: Kerala, on December 8, reported a case which involved detection of a the Covid-19 sub-variant JN 1, as confirmed by official sources on Saturday.
The positive result from an RT-PCR test conducted on November 18 came from a sample taken from a 79-year-old woman. Officials noted that she exhibited mild symptoms of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and had successfully recovered from Covid-19.
Sources indicated that over 90% of current Covid-19 cases in India are classified as mild, with individuals undergoing home isolation.

Earlier, a traveler from Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirapalli district was identified with the JN 1 sub-variant in Singapore. The individual had visited Singapore on October 25, and no subsequent increase in cases was observed in Tiruchirapalli district or other areas in Tamil Nadu linked to this variant.

Officials emphasized that, to date, no other instances of the JN 1 variant have been detected in India. Originating in Luxembourg and subsequently spreading to various countries, the JN 1 sub-variant is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86).
Characterized by a significant number of unique mutations, particularly in the spike protein, the JN 1 sub-variant is believed to contribute to increased infectivity and immune evasion. However, preliminary data suggests that updated vaccines and treatments continue to provide protection against the JN 1 sub-strain.
The JN 1 sub-variant shares similarities with earlier sub-strains, particularly in terms of distinct spike proteins. The majority of mutations in the JN 1 sub-variant are concentrated in the spike protein, potentially correlating with heightened infectivity and immune evasion.
Globally, 3,608 cases of BA.2.86 and its sub-variants have been reported, primarily in Europe and North America. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that initial data suggest updated COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against the JN 1 sub-strain. Furthermore, treatments and testing are expected to remain effective, according to an analysis from the federal government's SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group.