COVID-19 Sub-Variant JN.1 Detected in Kerala: India on Alert as Cases Spike

The recent discovery of the Coronavirus sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala has set off alarm bells across India, leading to a surge in COVID-19 cases in several states. Insacog, the consortium of government laboratories, has identified 19 instances of the JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of BA.2.86. These cases include one from Maharashtra and a concerning 18 from Goa.

India is grappling with a resurgence in COVID-19, reporting 614 new infections, marking the highest daily count since May 21. This resurgence has pushed the total number of active cases to 2,311, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry.

Sadly, the death toll has climbed to 5,33,321, with Kerala alone recording three deaths in the past 24 hours. Kerala itself has reported 292 fresh COVID-19 infections and three fatalities during the same period.

Wednesday saw a nationwide tally of 341 new COVID-19 infections, with Kerala accounting for a significant 292 cases. This surge has pushed the total number of active cases in the country to 2,311, while Kerala's COVID-19 death toll stands at 72,056 since the pandemic's onset three years ago.

India remains on high alert as it confronts the challenges posed by this new sub-variant amidst concerns of rising infections.