Mumbai’s first JN.1 cases: 21 patients test positive

As per BMC, the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis identified 22 samples positive for JN.1 variant. Two samples belonged to outstation patients, and one was a duplicate, leaving a total of 21 patients diagnosed with JN.1, of whom 19 were Mumbai residents.

“All 19 patients displayed mild symptoms, with two having comorbidities. Fortunately, all patients have recovered and are stable. Private labs diagnosed most of these cases, of which 8 are women and 11 are men. It’s noteworthy that all reported cases date back to December 2023,” stated Dr Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer, BMC.
On Monday, Mumbai reported 23 new cases.

With this, the total JN.1 cases in the state stand at 250. of which 150 are from Pune and 30 from Nagpur.
In total, Maharashtra reported 61 new Covid-19 cases, with test positivity rate of 2.23%. The city at present has 166 active cases.

Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases and emergence of JN.1, the state health department’s Covid-19 task force, established on January 5, has issued guidelines reiterating the importance of adhering to Covid-19 protocols—wearing masks and practicing cough and hand hygiene.

Headed by former ICMR chief Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, the state task force highlighted that JN.1 subvariant presents mild symptoms. Dr Gangakhedkar emphasised the need for individuals with comorbidities and senior citizens to exercise caution and follow Covid-19 protocols. He urged their family to be vigilant to prevent bringing the infection home to vulnerable populations.

Additionally, Dr Gangakhedkar has advised that anyone experiencing fever, cold, or cough should isolate themselves and undergo Covid-19 testing to curb spread of the infection. He emphasised the critical nature of the next 15 days, anticipating a rise in cases during this period.