3 Patients With JN.1 Subtype of Coronavirus Reported In Pune; Total 9 Detected in Maharashtra
Pune, 24th December 2023: The emergence of the new JN.1 subtype of the coronavirus has raised concerns in Maharashtra, with the first case detected in Sindhudurg district. Subsequently, nine more cases were reported on Sunday, spreading across Thane municipal limits, Pune municipal limits, Pune district, and Akola municipal limits. Health systems have been put on high alert, with increased vigilance instructions issued to combat the potential spread.
The first case of JN.1 in the country was identified in Kerala, followed by cases in Goa and now Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, where a 41-year-old male tested positive. The recent nine cases include five in Thane municipal limits, two in Pune municipal limits, and one each in Pune district and Akola municipal limits. Among the patients, eight are males, and one is female, ranging from a 9-year-old boy to individuals above 40 years of age. Notably, one patient in Pune had a travel history to the United States.
In response to the new subtype, the state has ramped up its COVID preparedness. Mock drills have been conducted in all districts, involving health institutions at the second and third levels. The drills encompassed districts, municipalities, and government medical colleges, ensuring a comprehensive review of available beds, intensive care units, facilities, machinery, oxygen supply, medicine stock, manpower, training, and telemedicine facilities.
On Sunday, the state registered 50 new coronavirus cases, with a death rate of 1.81 percent. A total of 3,639 people were tested for the virus across the state. Health authorities have instructed districts to enhance vigilance, urging a stronger survey of individuals with symptoms resembling COVID-19. Increased testing measures have been mandated.
Dr. Pratap Singh Saranikar, Joint Director of the Health Department, provided reassurance, stating, “Eight out of nine cases of JN.1 detected in the state have received both doses of the Covid vaccine. All these patients have been kept in home isolation. All of them showed mild symptoms, and their condition is improving now.”
