​COVID subvariant JN.1 found in Kerala on the rise? Singapore government issues advisory​

COVID and the new variants of the coronavirus have made it to the headline again. Singapore has recorded more than 56,000 COVID cases in just one week, forcing the government to issue an advisory for its citizens and travellers. As per the health ministry, an estimated number of 56,043 cases COVID-19 cases were recorded in the week of December 3 to 9 2023, rising from 32,035 cases in the previous week. Until now it is unclear whether JN.1 or other Omicron subvariants are driving the surge.

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"The average hospitalisation rate has surged to 350 admissions daily, up from 225 the previous week. In the week ended Dec 9, 23 Covid-19 patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), up from nine the previous week, and the highest on a weekly basis for the year. A total of 763 patients were hospitalised with Covid-19," The Straits Times reported.

​COVID: One case of JN.1 subvariant found in Kerala; symptoms similar to influenza like illness​

While COVID continues to remain a high risk, the transmission of other illnesses like acute upper respiratory infections has also become a public health concern in Singapore. "Covid-19 is not the only airborne infectious disease that has been on the rise here. In the week of Dec 3 to 9, polyclinics saw 3,590 acute upper respiratory infections a day – up from 2,970 a day the previous week. Polyclinics, which treat about 20 per cent of acute illness cases in primary care, serve as a yardstick for the nation," The Straits Times report.

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Those who have been vaccinated and have had prior infections may get this, says Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram.

"This virus spreads quickly and typically causes symptoms including fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in rare instances, minor gastrointestinal issues. Usually, the symptoms go better in four to five days. Breathing problems may also be experienced by certain patients," says Dr. Gupta.

"There is no reason to fear as there is currently no proof that this variety is more severe than any other. We must take all contact measures, such as frequent hand washing, mask usage, and social distancing, to stop the spread of infection," he adds.

Health officials have found one case of JN.1 variant of COVID in the southern Indian state, Kerala. The case was detected in a RT-PCR positive sample from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 8th December 2023. The sample was tested RT-PCR positive on 18th November 2023. The patient had mild symptoms of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and has since recovered from Covid-19, as per an official statement. As per the statement, the number of cases in Kerala has been increasing since the last few weeks.

So far, the classic symptoms of COVID remains cold, cough, sore throat, sneezing and fever. No new symptom or symptoms have been identified so far. The case found in Kerala had symptoms similar to Influenza Like Illness which includes fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. Respiratory symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Headache, weakness, and malaise are common, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting may occur, especially in children. Fever is a hallmark sign, often reaching high temperatures. Differentiating ILI from the flu can be challenging, but the abrupt onset of symptoms and the prevalence of respiratory and systemic complaints are key indicators. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.