Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases and the identification of the first JN.1 variant in India, the Central government has issued a stern call to the states, urging them to maintain unwavering vigilance and promptly report all instances of influenza-like and severe acute respiratory illnesses. Additionally, states have been strongly advised to escalate the number of RT-PCR tests and promptly forward positive samples for comprehensive genome sequencing.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Union Health Secretary has dispatched a letter to States/Union Territories, underscoring the critical importance of sustained vigilance over the evolving Covid-19 situation in the country.

The Health Secretary emphasized, Due to consistent and collaborative actions between the Centre and state governments, we have been able to sustain the trajectory at sustainable low rates. The ministry has outlined several strategies for effective Covid control.

With the festive season approaching, states have been counselled to implement necessary public health measures and logistical arrangements to minimize the risk of disease transmission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to respiratory hygiene practices.

States are directed to meticulously monitor and report all instances of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases across health facilities to ensure early detection. Moreover, states are encouraged to ramp up the number of RT-PCR tests and promptly dispatch positive samples for genome sequencing to Indian SARS COV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) laboratories. This measure aims to facilitate the timely identification of new variants, if any, within the country.

The announcement comes in the wake of India's first case of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 being detected in Kerala on December 8. A few states, including Kerala, have observed a recent uptick in Covid cases.

Specifically identified in an RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 8, 2023, the JN.1 variant case involved a patient who initially tested positive on November 18, 2023. The individual experienced mild symptoms of ILI and has since recovered from Covid-19. The government's proactive approach seeks to curb the potential spread of variants and reinforce public health measures during this critical period.