One case of JN.1 Variant detected in Odisha, Reports INSACOG

New Delhi: The COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been identified in Odisha, marking its presence in a total of 10 states across the country, as per the latest data released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). With a total of 196 cases reported nationwide, the sub-variant has been detected in states such as Kerala, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, and Delhi.

The INSACOG data highlights that 179 Covid cases recorded in December were associated with the JN.1 sub-variant, while 17 cases were identified in November. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “variant of interest” due to its rapid spread, JN.1 is currently assessed as posing a “low” global public health risk. Previously part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, the JN.1 sub-variant now warrants increased vigilance from states and Union territories amid rising Covid cases and the evolving landscape of virus variants.