Experts urge people to take precautions as fresh wave of Covid-19 infections emerges

The fresh Covid-19 positive cases are widely believed to have been caused by the JN.1 sub-lineages of SARS-CoV-2 and linked to two deaths in Maharashtra since January

Hyderabad: As different cities including Mumbai, Chennai, urban centres of Kerala and Karnataka apart from Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand, reporting a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections, experts urge people not to panic but be diligent in adopting precautions.

The fresh Covid-19 positive cases are widely believed to have been caused by the JN.1 sub-lineages of SARS-CoV-2 and linked to two deaths in Maharashtra since January.

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Experts emphasize the need for the State Public Health wing initiating surveillance, collect samples for genome sequencing and take measures towards general pandemic preparedness.

Given the significant travel to and from Singapore, Thailand, and nearby countries, there is an increased risk of travelers becoming ill. Consequently, such individuals must take precautions such as proper respiratory etiquette, practicing hand hygiene with alcohol-based sanitizers or soap, covering nose and mouth while coughing and disposing of used tissue papers in garbage bins.

“There is a history of seasonal rise of Covid infections in Southeast Asian countries because of congenial weather conditions and densely populated areas. There is always a chance of this virus spreading rapidly through the air. However, one should remember that JN.1 sub-lineages are not very harmful and there is no need for people to panic. Basic precautions will be enough,” says Dr M Raja Rao, Principal of Osmania Medical College (OMC).

Individuals who have respiratory symptoms should wear masks and avoid exposing others in their household or workplace. Those with weakened immune systems should wear masks when in public gatherings and even in closed spaces.

Various respiratory infections can cause symptoms similar to those of Covid 19. Some of these infections can be prevented by vaccination. Senior doctors urge senior citizens, pregnant women and individuals with co-morbid conditions to consult their local health centres and attending physicians to learn more about vaccination.

Typical symptoms with JN1 sublineages:

• Severe fatigue, diarrheal symptoms, vomiting and fever

• People without fever or respiratory symptoms are testing positive

• JN.1 first affects gastric system

• Other symptoms are cough, fever, runny nose, headache, stomach cramps, loss of smell

• It may take longer to recover from JN.1 due to severe disease

• Geographical distribution:

– Telangana must restart surveillance, testing and collecting samples

– Genome sequencing efforts must be strengthened

– JN.1 variant reported in US, China, Singapore, India

– Current RTPCR tests enough for confirmation of JN.1