Detection of the JN.1 variant in India cause of unease in India

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NEW DELHI, Dec 23, (Agencies): The detection of the JN.1 variant in India created unease in the stock markets on Wednesday. However, both domestically and internationally, there is no indication that it poses a cause for concern.

Concerns about a potential resurgence of Covid-19 heightened this week with the identification of the JN.1 variant in Kerala. JN.1 has emerged suddenly and is increasingly prevalent in cases subjected to genome sequencing worldwide.

Notably, it appears to be out-competing other variants, a characteristic of a more adaptive mutation of the Sars-CoV-2. While its discovery in India had an impact on stock markets, there is no evidence, either domestically or abroad, to suggest it should be a cause for alarm.

Officials from India’s health ministry have reported that states where the variant has been identified, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, are not observing a rise in hospital admissions. In fact, during a meeting on Wednesday, the Union health secretary stated that most infections were incidental findings, occurring in individuals brought to medical facilities for reasons unrelated to Covid-19.

Currently, the virus is behaving predictably, evolving and acquiring traits that endure despite widespread population-level immunities. As exposure to the virus decreases during periods of epidemic lulls, the corona virus experiences a minor resurgence, especially aided by seasonal factors such as colder weather that facilitates its spread.

This pattern mirrors the behavior of influenza viruses. The Sars-CoV-2 is following a similar trend, making any panic unwarranted. Nevertheless, it is always prudent to exercise caution –adhering to measures like masking and maintaining hygiene not only prevents the spread of the Covid-19 virus but also other pathogens.

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