India Reports Surge in COVID Cases Amid Concerns Over Waning Immunity

In the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia, India has also witnessed fresh instances of Covid-19 outbreak in recent months, with the most cases coming in Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. But, the majority of cases are minor and not correlated with seriousness or death.

"So far, the cases have been rare. It is believed that the JN.1 variant of this virus believed to be a component of the surge that is taking place in Asia it is found in India. Derived from the BA.2.86 strain—better known as the 'Pirola' variant—this version is part of the broader Omicron lineage. This variant is capable of evading prior Covid-19 immunity and continues to sprea. Its signs and symptoms are not significantly different from those of the Omicron variant," says Dr. Jatin Ahuja, an infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.

What exactly is JN.1 to do with it?

JN.1 is one of the sublineages within JN.1 which is an Omicron variant. It has experienced about 30 mutations. This does not mean that it's getting more dangerous but it is searching for ways to escape the immune system. The modifications are occurring in the surface receptors, also known as the spike protein (the component from the covid-19 in India that gets into the cells of our bodies). The immune system is tricked by these changes to make the virus readily transmissible.

In addition to vaccination, we also experienced the Coronavirus wave not long time ago. It can trigger both memory T cells and B cells that, upon coming across this virus, or its related variants, can help fight it and decrease the severity of the disease. Omicron variant, as per an article released in PLoS Pathogens. Memory B cells make antibodies that neutralize Omicron variant.

Can JN.1 lead to complications?

Individuals who have co-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems face potential risks. People suffering from uncontrolled diabetes along with chronic kidney disease and HIV patients as well as individuals who have undergone transplants should exercise caution. Children and pregnant women along with the elderly population display increased vulnerability to it.