Existing line of treatment expected to be effective against JN.1 variant: Health Commissioner | Pune News
Existing line of treatment expected to be effective against JN.1 variant: Health Commissioner | Pune News
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Dheeraj Kumar, Maharashtra health commissioner has said that the existing line of treatment /vaccination is expected to be effective against the JN.1 Covid variant. The state has vaccinated 9.16 crore persons with a single dose of Covid vaccine, and as many as 7.66 crore have taken the second jab. Close to 1 crore have also taken the booster shot, Kumar said.
The next two weeks are crucial so the need for vigilance, Kumar told The Indian Express, adding that the system will routinely remain prepared for all contingencies. “The expert Covid task force will meet and decide on specific precautionary measures based on evolving disease conditions. New protocols will be issued as per the latest development,” Kumar added.
On Friday, Maharashtra reported 129 new cases with a case fatality rate of 1.81 per cent. Around 13,002 tests were conducted on Friday, with the positivity rate being 0.94 per cent. As per data of the state health department, a total of 369 Covid cases are active, with 335 (90.8 per cent ) in home isolation. A total of 34 (9.2 per cent) are admitted to the hospital of which 9 require intensive care. Mumbai and Pune have reported a total of 134 and 102 active Covid cases each.
At present, the dominant Covid variant is Omicron XBB.1.16. “Till today, the state has 10 patients infected with JN.1. However, even if the patients have mild symptoms we have advised precautions,” Kumar added. The state health bulletin said that since January 1 this year, a total of 137 deaths have been recorded, of whom 71 per cent were above 60 years of age, and 84 per cent of them had comorbidities.
Meanwhile, Dr Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General, Peoples Health Organisation (PHO), pointed out that with 75 per cent population fully vaccinated and 35 per cent population receiving the booster dose, the country has one of the best vaccination covers against Covid. The virus wave brought forth by Omicron variant (mainly BA.2 subvariant) had infected most of the population with less morbidity and mortality, he added, which in fact saved the country from infections of BA.4 and BA.5 Covid variants.
“We are better prepared now than before,” Dr Gilada said.
He also ruled out any particular mandate for use of masks but added that masks were important for senior citizens and those with severe comorbidities, as well as those who live with such people at home and when going to crowded places. “A mask is helpful in preventing not only Covid infection but also other viral and bacterial infections, ill-effects of pollutants and allergens in winter and altered Air Quality Index,” he added.
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