JN.1, a variant stemming from Omicron, has become a Variant of Interest (VOI) declared by WHO. Detected first in Luxembourg in August, it swiftly spread to 41 countries. Experts warn of its "extraordinary" growth advantage, describing it as a 'very serious evolution' with distinctive features, including the L455S mutation. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan highlights the need for careful attention due to its unique characteristics. JN.1 is poised to be a pivotal chapter in the pandemic evolution, possibly giving rise to future sub-lineages. Global concerns rise as this highly transmissible variant becomes a focal point in the battle against COVID-19.

Karnataka now requires COVID tests for individuals with flu or respiratory symptoms, as announced by State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu. The state maintains a 3.82% positivity rate, prompting the decision. Private and government hospitals are instructed to conduct tests for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) patients. Earlier, only one in 20 such cases underwent testing. The minister anticipates a decline in COVID cases next week and urges vigilance amid the rise in sub-variant JN.1 cases. The World Health Organization deems JN.1 a "variant of interest" with low global health risk.

India has identified 263 cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, with Kerala accounting for half of the reported cases, according to INSACOG's latest data. Ten states and Union territories have detected the presence of this sub-variant. The World Health Organization classifies JN.1 as a "variant of interest," acknowledging its growing global spread but categorizing it as a "low" global public health risk. India's Health Ministry urges constant vigilance amid a rise in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant. The country records 573 new infections, with 4,565 active cases.

Doctors are reporting a concerning rise in scabies infections across the UK, sparking fears of a public health crisis. The highly contagious skin condition is spreading rapidly amid shortages of critical treatments permethrin and malathion. Dermatologists describe the situation as an "absolute nightmare," with outbreaks in care homes, nursing facilities, and university dorms. They warn limited tracking of scabies patients means the problem could be far worse than currently known. Without access to treatments, doctors struggle to contain the spread. Some desperate patients turn to expensive foreign imports. Experts urge authorities to address the shortages and plan for further outbreaks, especially in communal living spaces. They also aim to reduce stigma so those affected seek prompt treatment. If left unchecked, the surge in scabies poses major risks this winter.

India recorded 636 new Covid-19 cases and three deaths in the past 24 hours, signaling a slight dip from the previous day's 841 infections. The active caseload increased to 4,394, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu reporting two and one fatalities, respectively. The national recovery rate stands at 98.81%, and the case fatality rate at 1.18%. The recent surge is attributed to the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant and colder weather. Experts recommend precautionary measures, especially for vulnerable groups. As of December 29, 2023, 178 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant have been reported across nine states, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.

India reported 841 new COVID-19 cases, marking the highest in over seven months. The active caseload rose to 4,309, with three new deaths reported in Kerala, Karnataka, and Bihar. The surge follows a period of low infection rates until December 5. The emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant and colder weather contribute to the recent spike. India has reported 4.50 crore cases and 5,33,361 deaths since January 2020. Despite the rise, the recovery rate stands at 98.81%, with over 220.67 crore vaccine doses administered. Health authorities remain vigilant, urging adherence to safety protocols.

Karnataka recorded 201 fresh COVID-19 cases and one new death in the past 24 hours, raising the total active cases to 833. Bengaluru Urban district conducted the highest number of tests, with a total of 7,060 tests in the state. The positivity rate stands at 2.84%, and the case fatality rate is 0.49%. A 74-year-old individual with comorbidities succumbed to the virus in Mysuru. The state government emphasizes COVID-appropriate behavior and considers administering a precautionary vaccine amid rising cases, urging citizens to follow safety measures and seek medical attention promptly.

India has documented a total of 162 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, with Kerala reporting the highest infections at 83, according to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Other affected states include Gujarat (34 cases), Goa (18 cases), Karnataka (8 cases), Maharashtra (7 cases), Rajasthan (5 cases), Tamil Nadu (4 cases), and Telangana and Delhi (2 and 1 case, respectively). The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified JN.1 as a 'variant of interest,' acknowledging its rapid spread but indicating a "low" global public health risk. Ahead of the New Year's celebrations, the Centre has asked the states and Union territories to maintain a constant and close watch on the rising cases on JN.1. 

India records 157 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1, with Kerala reporting the highest at 78, followed by Gujarat at 34, as per INSACOG's Thursday update. Nine states and Union territories detect the JN.1 sub-variant, including Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Delhi. INSACOG data reveals 141 JN.1 cases in December and 16 in November. The World Health Organisation classifies JN.1 as a "variant of interest," noting its rapid global spread with a "low" public health risk. The Centre urges constant vigilance amid rising Covid cases and the emergence of JN.1.

India reported 529 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing active infections to 4,093. Three fatalities, including two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat, were recorded. The Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 saw an additional 40 cases, totaling 109 across the country. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa detected the majority of cases. Most patients are in home isolation. Daily cases, previously in double digits, surged due to the new variant and cold weather conditions. India has administered 220.67 crore vaccine doses, with a recovery rate of 98.81%. The case fatality rate stands at 1.19%.