JN.1 in Kerala: What You Need to Know About the New Covid Variant

Since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, we've become accustomed to hearing about new variants popping up. Recently, JN.1, an Omicron subvariant, has been detected in Kerala, India, raising concerns about a potential new wave of infections. This variant was found in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala on December 8, 2023. 

Here is a guide to know everything about this variant, its symptoms and protection. 

What is JN.1?

JN.1, also known as BA.2.86 or Pirola, is a subvariant of the highly contagious Omicron variant. It was first identified in the US in September 2023 and has since been detected in several countries, including India.

According to the Hindustan Times, Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram said: “The JN.1 strain of coronavirus has recently been detected in Kerala. The case was detected in an RT-PCR-positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state on December 8. The 79-year-old woman had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered from Covid. The sub-variant — first identified in Luxembourg — is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86) which itself is a descendant of Omicron sub variant.”

Is JN.1 more dangerous than other variants?

Currently, there's no evidence suggesting that JN.1 is more severe than other Omicron sub-variants. However, it's still early days, and further research is needed to understand its potential impact fully.

What are the symptoms of JN.1?

The symptoms of JN.1 are similar to those of other Omicron sub-variants and include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Loss of taste or smell

How can I prevent JN.1 Infection?

The good news is that the same precautionary measures that have worked against previous variants remain effective for JN.1:

• Get vaccinated and boosted: Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to protect yourself from severe Covid-19 illness, hospitalisation, and death.
• Wear a mask in crowded settings: Wearing a well-fitting mask, especially in crowded indoor spaces or on public transportation, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
• Maintain social distancing: Keeping a safe distance from others, particularly those who are sick, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
• Practise good hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is crucial for preventing the spread of germs.