19 new cases of JN.1 corona variant detected in Maharashtra, highest in Pune

Maharashtra reported 19 new cases of the JN.1 variant of coronavirus on Sunday. The highest number of cases of the JN.1 variant was reported in Pune.

Till Saturday, Maharashtra had 10 cases of JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron, with the virus cases being detected in Thane, Pune, and Akola cities, and Pune and Sindhudurg districts. With the 19 fresh cases, the total caseload for the new variant climbed to 29 in the state.

The JN.1 strain is a descendant of the BA.2.86 Covid variant, also known as Pirola, which came from Omicron. The first case of JN.1 variant was found in a 79-year-old woman in Kerala.

Meanwhile, India on Sunday recorded 841 new Covid-19 cases, marking the highest daily increase in the past seven months, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Amid a surge in virus cases, the Centre had issued an advisory to the states to ensure public health measures are in place before the festive season.

The advisory directed the states to monitor and report district-wise influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness cases in all health facilities on a regular basis. The states have also been asked to update the details in the Integrated Health Information Platform and ensure adequate testing in all districts.