The Maharashtra state health department has disclosed that more than 80% of Covid-19 samples subjected to whole-genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology and BJ Medical College in Pune exhibit the JN.1 variant sub-lineage of Omicron, indicating its prevalent dominance. Out of the 284 samples analyzed statewide, 88% showed the JN.1 variant, with Pune recording the highest number of cases, according to a senior health official.
The initial case of JN.1 Covid-19 infection involved a 41-year-old man from Sindhudurg. However, traces of the JN.1 strain were detected in sewage samples from Pune city on November 22.
Currently, JN.1 has become the predominant circulating strain, surpassing other Covid variants and competing with the BA 2.86 variant. Experts anticipate that it may eventually become the sole variant. JN.1 was first identified in open drain samples from Pune city on October 30 last year, followed by its presence in sewage samples on November 22.
As of January 15, the state recorded 35 new Covid cases, with three Covid-19 deaths reported. The recovery rate stands at 98.17%, while the case fatality rate is 1.81%.
Surveillance and genome sequencing have played a crucial role in understanding the mutation and prevalence of the new strains. Drain samples indicated BA 2.86 as a major lineage, followed by XBB sub-lineages. BA 2.86, XBB 2.3, and JN.1 are the key circulating lineages in open drain samples.
Experts emphasize that ongoing genome sequencing of Covid-19 samples will provide insights into the variants currently in circulation and their impact on the pandemic.