(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)
Over the past month, there has been a steady increase in COVID-19 cases in India, particularly in Kerala. In response to the emergence of the Omicron sub-variant JN.1, both state and central governments have implemented measures to contain its spread. In light of this situation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released guidelines for hospitals regarding suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified this new strain as a Variant of Interest (VOI) and it is currently undergoing rigorous scientific investigation. It has been found that this variant poses a significant risk to elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Yesterday, India reported three COVID-19-related deaths and 636 new cases, according to data from the Health Ministry. Two deaths were recorded in Kerala and one in Tamil Nadu. So far, a total of 511 cases of the JN.1 variant have been reported across 11 states as of January 2nd. Among these cases, Karnataka has the highest number at 199, followed by Kerala with 148, Goa with 47, Gujarat with 36, and Maharashtra with 32, according to sources.
Pandemic preparedness and disease surveillance are key elements in safeguarding against major disease outbreaks, according to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. He emphasized the importance of strong health systems that reach every individual. Mandaviya recently initiated the establishment of the NCDC regional branch in Assam and six state branches in Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, and Mizoram. Additionally, BSL-3 labs in Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand were virtually launched from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Mandaviya also unveiled a temporary NCDC regional branch in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. These new branches and labs will enhance the country's ability to handle pandemics and monitor diseases using a "One Health" approach. The regional NCDC branches will specifically target diseases with regional variations, such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), and scrub typhus.
