Breaking News: Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan Issues Urgent Warning on JN.1 COVID Variant in India

In a crucial development, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), has sounded the alarm on the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 currently surging in India. Contrary to dismissing it as a mere ‘common cold,’ Dr. Swaminathan emphatically states that “Covid is not common cold” and emphasizes the distinct dangers associated with this new strain.

Here are the key points highlighted by Dr Soumya Swaminathan:

1. Unique Severity and Long-term Effects: Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Dr. Swaminathan emphasized that the JN.1 variant is markedly different from the common cold. Not only does it lead to severe cases of acute Covid pneumonia, but it also raises serious concerns about long-term effects. Individuals, especially those with repeat infections, face an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia, depression, mental health problems, prolonged fatigue, and muscle pain.

2. Caution Urged, Not Panic: While acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Swaminathan called for a cautious approach, urging the public not to panic. She emphasized the importance of adhering to well-established preventive measures and highlighted that, despite the new mutations, the JN.1 variant is currently classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO and not a ‘variant of concern.’

3. Need for Vigilance: In an interview with news agency ANI, Dr. Swaminathan stressed the need for vigilance and monitoring, stating, “So I would say let’s not take it lightly.” She urged people to remain cautious and vigilant, especially in closed environments with poor ventilation, and recommended wearing masks to reduce the risk of infection.

4. JN.1 Variant Overview: With India confirming 21 cases of the JN.1 variant, the WHO has classified it as a ‘variant of interest,’ distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. Despite the attention and concern surrounding the variant, the WHO has reassured that the overall risk remains low based on current evidence.

5. Current COVID-19 Situation in India: India recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 infections on Thursday, bringing the number of active cases to 2,669. While the situation is being closely monitored, health authorities emphasize the importance of adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder

In conclusion, as the JN.1 variant takes center stage in India’s battle against COVID-19, Dr. Swaminathan’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder to the public and authorities alike to approach the situation with heightened caution and diligence. The evolving scenario requires ongoing monitoring and adherence to preventive measures to mitigate the potential impact of this new variant. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.

WHO Updates :

🚨 The WHO officially classified the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from its parent lineage BA.2.86 yesterday.

On the back of this, they also issued advice specifically recommending universal masking in all health facilities.https://t.co/7Uqt0PxPa1 pic.twitter.com/Ojyu0n4wxs

— Cat in the Hat 🐈‍⬛ 🎩 🇬🇧 (@_CatintheHat) December 20, 2023