India reports 164 cases of Covid-19 JN.1 Variant; air travellers asked to mask up, wash hands

Hyderabad: As many as 164 cases of Covid-19 variant BA2 Omicron-JN.1 has been registered by the Government of India on May 19. With 80 per cent respiratory viruses belonging to Covid-19, tests are being carried out only for the severe ones.

Highest cases were reported in Kerala (69), Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). The others States are not carrying out Covid-19 tests as the cases are mild.

Dr Kiran Madhala, professor of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care at Gandhi Medical College in Secunderabad, said, “ICMR evaluation shows that the respiratory viruses in the Indian atmosphere belong to the SARS-Cov 2 family causing Covid-19. The present variant BA2 Omicron-JN.1 is mild, but it spreads faster. The cases presented are mostly mild.”

Spike in cases

There is a spike in respiratory illness in the population.

This is because of the change in the weather. Thunderstorms lead to the movement of the virus from one place to another and that is also being seen as a reason for the spike in summer.

Dr Ramana Prasad, senior pulmonologist at KIMS Hospital explained, “Covid-19 virus is now become a common virus like other viruses in the atmosphere. Viral infections are noted during change of season and SARS-Cov 2 is also one of them now. The infections are mild as people are now immune to the virus and also they have been vaccinated.”

What is the B2 Omicron-JN.1?

JN.1 is from the Omicron family and was detected in August 2023. Presently, this variant is affecting people in Asia leading to a spike in cases.

Cases are increasing in Singapore and Hongkong and those travelling to these countries are asked to exercise caution. The cough etiquette, masks and hand washing must be followed.

Precautions for air travellers

Those who frequently travel via air must wear masks as, in a closed atmosphere, the movement of the virus is faster. Air travellers also tend to carry the virus from one region and country to another. Hence, masks are recommended to frequent travellers, advised medical experts.