Covid sub-variant JN.1: Two cases detected in Odisha

On Thursday, a senior official reported the identification of two cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Odisha. The instances were confirmed in Sundargarh and Bhubaneswar, according to Director of Health Services Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, who reassured that both patients are in stable health.

Mohapatra explained that among 28 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, samples were sent for genome sequencing, revealing two cases of the JN.1 variant. The patient from Sundargarh completed isolation at home without symptomatic contacts.

The second patient, an elderly woman treated at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, remains stable. Mohapatra emphasized adherence to protocols for the JN.1 sub-variant, addressing the normalcy of detecting new virus variants and the potential for future COVID-19 variants.

He also highlighted the scientific community's assertion that the severity of the JN.1 variant remains undetermined, urging against panic. Currently, the state reports 25 active COVID-19 cases.

(With input from PTI)