Pune reports highest number of people affected by JN.1 virus
Pune : Study Finds JN.1 Variant of COVID-19 Mirrors Previous Variants in Clinical Features: Research Highlights
Pune has recorded the highest number of JN.1 virus cases in Maharashtra so far. As per information, the number of patients who have been infected with the new virus of JN.1, which is a subtype of the omicron virus of the coronavirus, has increased to more than a thousand i.e. 1,012 in the state. Pune is leading with 450 affected cases, followed by Thane with 225 and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with 83.
JN. 1, a highly contagious virus, raised concerns three to four months ago, triggering a proactive response from the state’s health authorities. Since December, the State Epidemiological Department has been diligently monitoring and conducting genome sequencing of the Corona patients to identify and treat JN.1 infections.
Suryakant Deokar, Assistant Health Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said, “We immediately started taking precautions towards the virus by sending the suspected samples to NIV. Till now the symptoms of the virus have been mild and are expected to be the same and no cases of death or hospitalization are reported. Moreover, tests of people landing from Kerala and Singapore were also done as a part of precaution at the Pune airport. The symptoms are mild, including cold, cough and fever. We moreover conducted seminars for people not to get scared about the virus. All these initiatives were undertaken under the guidance of Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner.”
Although the variant exhibits mild symptoms and does not necessitate hospitalization, vigilance remains paramount to curb its spread. Notably, Nandurbar, Yavatmal, Sindhudurg and Satara have reported isolated cases, with 16 municipalities and districts collectively totalling under 10 patients each, excluding Pune and Thane.
Currently, Maharashtra counts over 2,500 active COVID-19 cases, with the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation reporting the highest at 72, followed by Thane Municipal Corporation at 34 and Amravati Municipal Corporation at 33 while other regions have reported less than 30 cases.
The increasing prevalence of the JN.1 variant underscores the need for continued monitoring and public health interventions across the State.
