CASES TILL NOW
India's active COVID-19 cases rose by 412, reaching a total of 4,097, as per the Health Ministry's Wednesday update. The death toll increased by three in Karnataka and Gujarat, reaching 5,33,340
As per official data, six deaths have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours - two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.
The country's overall COVID-19 cases now stand at 4,50,10,189, with a high recovery rate of 98.81%. The fatality rate is 1.19%.
Amid worries about the JN.1 subvariant, India has detected 109 cases, with Goa being the highest contributor, reporting 34 cases in a day. Gujarat reported 36, Karnataka 34, Goa 14, Maharashtra 9, Kerala 6, Rajasthan 4, Tamil Nadu 4, and Telangana 2.
The good news is that these cases don't show clustering, and most JN.1 cases have mild symptoms. Currently, active COVID-19 cases in India total 4,054, with Kerala having the highest number.
"Thirty-seven cases are from Goa, 344 from Karnataka, 3,128 from Kerala, and 50 from Maharashtra," as per Health Ministry data.
Understanding JN.1 Variant:
In its fourth year, the Covid-19 pandemic persists with newer variants like JN.1 causing concern in India. Dr. Nikhil Modi warns about potential threats despite mild symptoms. Here are key signs and precautions:
"There is an increase in Covid-19 cases recently which suggests that there is a new variant that has emerged. It could be JN.1 which is a highly immune evasive variant. So far, most cases have been very mild. Symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. These symptoms are not distinguishable from other respiratory illnesses like flu.
If a patient has these symptoms and they are mild just symptomatic care is enough. Red flag sign is breathlessness. The risk factors for severe disease are in the elderly and the immunocompromised," says Dr Tanu Singhal, Consultant, Paediatrics And Infectious Disease, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai.
"Characterised by increased transmissibility, its symptoms overlap with other viral infections, including fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of taste or smell. These symptoms may resemble other upper respiratory infections caused by seasonal viruses. Crucial preventive measures include vaccination, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing. Understanding its contagious nature underscores the urgency for adhering to safety protocols," says Dr Dutta
Symptoms of JN.1:
- Mild symptoms: fever, runny nose, sore throat, body ache, and fatigue.
**- Cough: **Persistent coughing can be a common symptom.
- Loose motions: Gastrointestinal symptoms, like loose motions (diarrhoea), may occur.
- Mild breathlessness: Some individuals may experience occasional mild breathlessness.
Expert Insights:
- Dr. Tanu Singhal notes JN.1's high immune evasion but emphasises mild cases so far.
- Dr. Dutta highlights increased transmissibility and overlapping symptoms with other viruses.
- Dr. Sushila Kataria lists cough, cold, throat pain, headache, loose motions, and mild breathlessness.
Preventive Measures:
- Vaccination, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing are crucial.
- Early detection and isolation are essential for combating the virus.
- Ignoring symptoms could have serious consequences, emphasising the need for testing.
Expert Advice:
- Dr. Modi stresses prompt testing of symptomatic and responsible mask use in crowded places.
- Vaccination, especially booster doses, remains the most effective defence against severe illness.