Covid surge: Telangana reports 31 cases of JN.1 variant; Hyderabad among 3 districts hit

Hyderabad: A total of 22 cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1.1 and nine cases of JN.1 have been reported from Telangana.

While testing for COVID-19 in Telangana is relatively low compared to other states, the latest reports from genomic testing laboratories under the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) have given clear indications that JN.1.1 and JN. 1 variants are dominant.

Genomic Testing Reveals Dominance

Based on laboratory testing results between December 2023 and January 5, 2023, a total of 31 individuals from Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts, tested positive for JN.1.1 and JN.1 variants.

Public health officials tracking COVID-19 in Telangana have indicated that, unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, the majority of individuals with COVID-like symptoms were not showing an inclination towards getting tested for COVID-19.

Low Testing Demand and Vaccine Hesitancy

Even those patients who visit local Basthi and Palle Dawakhanas for testing come back empty-handed due to the limited number of rapid diagnostic tests. The major reason for the lack of demand for testing and even for fresh COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in Hyderabad is the lack of severe infections from JN.1 infection, unlike earlier COVID variants like Delta.

"It appears that the new Covid variant of JN.1 is not as virulent as the Delta variant, which impacted lungs within a few days of infection. While cases of upper respiratory tract infections and influenza-like illness have increased in outpatient wings, the fact also remains that those who test positive are recovering without any major health complications. I urge senior citizens and persons with pre-existing diseases to be careful," says OGH Superintendent Dr G Nagender.

Karnataka Takes a Robust Approach

Unlike Telangana, the process of lifting samples and taking up genome testing to detect JN.1, as a part of Covid surveillance, has been quite robust in neighboring Karnataka and other states. Karnataka is on an overdrive in conducting genome testing, reporting 101 JN.1 positive cases and 279 positive Covid cases of the JN 1.1 variant, the highest in the country.

Weather Deviation in Hyderabad

While the severity of JN.1 is not comparable to earlier COVID variants, its infectivity, or ability to transmit infection, is quite high. Within a short span of a few weeks, JN.1 has become the number one coronavirus variant in the country.

In addition to the health concerns posed by the new Covid variants, Hyderabad is also grappling with an unusual surge in temperatures, presenting a stark departure from the typical wintry conditions. On Wednesday, the city recorded an average minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, notably higher than the usual 15.3 degrees Celsius for this season. The preceding week witnessed a gradual increase in night temperatures, with a rise of almost two degrees Celsius.

Health impact of unusual weather pattern

Reports indicate a surge in cases of colds, coughs, and fever across the majority of Hyderabad, highlighting the direct correlation between the unusual weather pattern and health issues.

Dr. Pradeep Reddy, a local physician, expressed concern, stating, "The rise in night temperatures and the departure from typical winter conditions have created an environment conducive to respiratory illnesses. We are observing an increase in patients reporting symptoms like colds, coughs, and fever, which can be attributed to the weather."

IMD Forecast and Persistence of Weather Anomaly

India Meteorological Department-Hyderabad (IMD-H) predicts mist during the next five days in the city, indicating a continuation of the warmer weather pattern. This anomaly is not confined to Hyderabad alone, as other districts in the state are also expected to experience temperatures above normal. Officials from the IMD-H acknowledged the deviation from the expected cold spell and provided insights into the prevailing conditions.

"The rise in minimum temperatures is evident, leading to a warmer atmosphere during the nights. This deviation is likely to persist, and mist is expected in the coming days," stated an official from the IMD-H.

As Hyderabad grapples with both the impact of new Covid variants and unseasonably warm weather, residents are urged to take precautions for their health and well-being.