Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in Kerala and the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Maharashtra has heightened its vigilance and directed district health authorities to assess hospital readiness. Dr Pratapsingh Sarnikar, Joint Director of Health, Communicable Diseases, Maharashtra, reassures that there have been no reported cases of the JN.1 subvariant in the state.
The recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Kerala is attributed to an increased number of samples from Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) cases being referred for testing. While most cases are clinically mild and self-recovering, the upcoming festive season calls for public health measures to minimize transmission risks. The Centre emphasizes the importance of respiratory hygiene in its advisory, especially in light of the recent surge and the detection of the first JN.1 variant case in India.
Dr Sarnikar has instructed district health officers and medical health officers to conduct regular surveillance of Covid-19 and influenza cases. Government hospitals have established isolation wards, and a mandatory medical audit of influenza deaths has been advised. According to Maharashtra Health Department data as of December 15, there were 20 reported Covid cases in the state.
Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, coordinator of genome sequencing for Maharashtra, highlights the initiative to conduct sewage-waste water sampling for timely detection of new variants. Dr Shashank Joshi, an authority on infectious diseases, underscores the significance of monitoring the JN.1 variant, classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization, accounting for 25 to 27 percent of globally tested Covid-19 cases.
Dr Sujeet Singh, former director of the National Centre for Disease Control, assures that JN.1 has not shown an increase in hospitalization. However, he emphasizes the need for caution due to potential waning vaccine immunity. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairperson of the national task force of IMA, cautions about the immune-evasive nature of the JN.1 subvariant, urging continuous monitoring as it becomes more prevalent in respiratory illnesses.
Stay informed about Maharashtra’s proactive measures and expert insights as the region addresses the challenges posed by the rising Covid-19 cases and the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant.
