Covid 19: The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries in South-East Asia to strengthen surveillance systems in view of the increasing cases of respiratory diseases including Covid-19 and its new sub-form JN.1 and influenza. WHO has also appealed to the people to take precautionary measures. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, said, “The COVID-19 virus continues to spread, mutate and circulate in all countries globally.
JN.1 cases reported in many countries
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh said that current evidence suggests that the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is low. “We should decide our response according to its development and keep a constant watch.” He said, “For this, countries will have to strengthen monitoring and sequencing and ensure sharing of data.” WHO has classified JN.1 as a variant to be kept under surveillance after its rapid global spread. In recent weeks, cases of JN.1 have been reported in several countries and its spread is increasing rapidly globally.
Indians will have to be careful
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also said that the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently underestimated globally, considering the limited available evidence. It is feared that this variant could lead to an increase in cases of COVID-19 among other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries where the winter season is beginning.
emphasis on vaccine
Dr. Khetrapal Singh said, “As people travel and gather during the holiday season, they spend a lot of time together indoors, where poor air circulation (ventilation) can lead to respiratory diseases. “It helps prevent the transmission of the virus, so they should take protective measures and get timely treatment if they become unwell.” The regional director also stressed the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza, especially for high-risk people. He said, “All COVID-19 vaccines approved by WHO will continue to protect against severe disease and death from all variants, including JN.1.