The recent surge in COVID cases in India has been linked to the emergence of the JN.1 variant, which has now become the dominant strain in the country, according to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) website. This variant is prevalent in almost all parts of India, with the highest concentration in the South, followed by the North and West regions.

Interestingly, the eastern region, comprising states like Odisha and West Bengal, has reported the presence of the JN.1 variant as well. However, its prevalence in this region is significantly lower compared to other parts of India, accounting for only 28.6 percent of all Covid positive samples tested at INSACOG labs in the last week of December.

The data from INSACOG reveals a significant growth in the number of JN.1 cases in December 2023. Out of the 536 JN.1 cases detected so far, 503 were identified from positive samples collected in December. The first confirmed case of the JN.1 variant in India was detected by INSACOG in Kerala on December 17. It was a 79-year-old woman from Karakulam in the Thiruvananthapuram district whose RT-PCR positive sample was collected during routine checking on December 8.

While genome sequencing is still ongoing, the dominance of the JN.1 variant in India raises concerns about its potential impact on the overall Covid situation in the country. This variant has shown a higher transmissibility rate, leading to an increase in the number of cases. It is crucial to closely monitor the spread of this variant and take necessary measures to control its transmission.

INSACOG, which is collaboration between several Indian scientific institutions, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has been at the forefront of tracking and studying the different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Through its extensive genome sequencing efforts, INSACOG aims to gather data on the prevalence, characteristics, and potential implications of these variants.

Tracking the prevalence of different variants is crucial in understanding the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic. It not only helps in identifying hotspots but also allows for the development of targeted strategies, such as increased testing and contact tracing, in areas with higher variant prevalence.