COVID-19 Scare: Nepal Confirms First Case of JN.1 Sub-Variant

Nepal confirmed the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of coronavirus within its borders on Monday. Out of 16 swab samples analyzed with whole-genome sequencing at the National Public Health Laboratory, the JN.1 sub-variant was found in seven cases, or approximately 44% of the total.

Whole-genome sequencing is an all-encompassing technique for examining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genes. Scientists consider whole-genome sequencing for coronavirus crucial in determining the virus's severity and characteristics.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) labels JN.1 as a distinct 'variant of interest' due to its rapid global spread. Nonetheless, WHO stated that current data indicate "the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is presently assessed as low". The JN.1 strain, first identified in September in the United States and originating from BA.2.86—a highly mutated Omicron variant—has caused increases in new coronavirus cases in several countries, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.

India has recently experienced a rise in coronavirus infection rates attributed to multiple outbreaks of the JN.1 sub-variant across various states. Health experts attribute ongoing cross-border movement to the surge in Nepal's cases. The regular influx of people across both country's borders, coupled with numerous unregulated entry points on the porous boundary, contribute to this issue.

Concurrently, Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population urges citizens to avoid crowds and adhere to public health guidelines as COVID-19 infection rates begin to rise once more. Officials are particularly concerned about increased positive cases among individuals returning from India. Following India's confirmation of a JN.1 outbreak, Ministry officials assert they have heightened agency surveillance measures.

Nepalese doctors warned that it was only a matter of time before this new sub-variant spread throughout their country since infected individuals moved around without restriction and proper safety measures were neither taken by the authorities nor the general public. The lack of monitoring for those confirmed to have coronavirus infections, who are currently allowed to return home, is especially concerning.

Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, head of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, expressed concern about hospital admissions involving elderly patients suffering from severe respiratory illnesses recently.

While nearly all Indian coronavirus variants have entered Nepal, virus variants like JN.1 might not be as lethal as the Delta strain; it remains a significant threat to individuals with compromised immunity and the elderly population.

Fatalities exceeded 12,000 during the first, second, and third Covid waves, which also infected hundreds of thousands. Public health restrictions have been lifted following 2021's Omicron variant decline in infection rates.