Covid cases rising in Singapore, India: What's JN.1 variant driving the surge, its symptoms, severity, precautions and vaccine response

Time of India

20-05-2025

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As COVID-19 cases rise in parts of Asia, especially Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand, health authorities are monitoring the JN.1 variant. This variant, a sublineage of the Omicron strain, has become widespread in many regions. While there is no evidence yet of a fresh wave in India, health officials are watching the situation closely. However, over 200 cases have been detected in India so far. Actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who was a familiar face in popular 1990s films, also announced that she was tested positive for COVID-19.Singapore has reported a notable increase in infections, with an estimated 14,200 cases in the week ending May 3 — up from 11,100 the week before. Hospitalisations have risen by about 30%. In Hong Kong, officials say the virus has reached a "quite high" level. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said the positivity rate in respiratory samples is the highest in a year. The city also recorded 31 COVID-19 related deaths in that week, the most in the last 12 months.JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86 (Pirola) strain, which itself carried many mutations. It was first identified in late 2023 and has since spread to countries including the US, UK, India, Singapore and Hong Kong.What sets JN.1 apart is a unique mutation in the spike protein — the part of the virus that binds to human cells. This may allow the virus to spread more easily and possibly escape immunity from vaccines or past infections.The World Health Organization has marked JN.1 as a "variant of interest." This classification means it is being closely observed but does not yet show signs of causing more severe disease than other variants.JN.1 infections have mostly been mild to moderate, with symptoms similar to earlier Omicron strains. These include sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue and a runny nose. In some cases, people may experience conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, or mild stomach issues.Despite its high transmissibility, there is no clear evidence that JN.1 leads to more serious illness. However, people at higher risk — such as older adults, those with weakened immune systems, or chronic health issues — may face complications.In Singapore, health officials said two subvariants of JN.1 — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — are responsible for about two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. The increase may also be linked to waning immunity in the population.Current vaccines, especially the updated bivalent and monovalent mRNA ones, still provide protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death due to JN.1. They may be less effective at preventing mild or symptomless infection. Boosters updated for newer variants continue to play a key role in raising antibody levels.People are advised to follow basic precautions to reduce the risk of infection. These include wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms, and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. Those with symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat should stay home, monitor their health, and seek medical advice if needed.As of May 19, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, up from 93 the previous Friday. Doctors in Mumbai have reported a small increase in mild cases, mainly among younger people. However, there is no indication of a major rise in infections.News agency PTI quoted official sources saying, 'The current coronavirus situation in the country was under control,' though authorities are 'keeping an eye on reports of a rise in Covid cases in Singapore and Hong Kong.'India continues to monitor respiratory infections through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Hospitals have been advised to track cases of influenza-like illnesses and severe respiratory infections.