Is another Covid wave taking shape in India? The covid fear is back to haunt as new cases have emerged in India especially in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Ahmedabad, after surges in Hong Kong and Singapore. Three babies in Karnataka were found to be infected which can create concerns over the recent surge. However, none of the babies required intensive care. The Delhi government on Friday issued an advisory on Covid, asking hospitals to prepare for availability of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines.
Health experts have urged the public, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, to reintroduce basic precautions such as wearing masks in enclosed spaces and practicing frequent hand hygiene.
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 continues to challenge global health systems, with new variants and sub-variants emerging even as the pandemic enters its endemic phase. Among the most notable recent developments is the rise of the JN.1 strain — an offshoot of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage. Two sub-variants of JN.1, known as LF-7 and NB.1.5, have now gained attention. The recent increase in cases is being attributed to these highly transmissible sub-variants and a natural decline in immunity among the population. While most people have previously contracted Covid, that immunity is now gradually waning.
What are Covid variants and sub-variants?
In the beginning was SARS-CoV-2, and now it has got a large family of variants and sub-variants. As the Covid pandemic enters its fifth year, new sub-variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge and drive localized surges in cases across various regions. Among the most discussed in recent months are the JN.1 variant and its sub-variants, LF.7 and NB.1.5. With significant increases in COVID-19 cases reported in India, Singapore and Hong Kong, understanding the virology, evolution, transmissibility, and public health implications of these sub-variants is essential.
JN.1 is a sublineage of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, also known as " Pirola". First detected in the United States in August 2023, JN.1 has since become a globally dominant strain due to its combination of high transmissibility and substantial immune evasion capabilities. It is characterized by over 30 mutations in the spike protein — the part of the virus responsible for binding to human cells.
JN.1 has more than 35 mutations in its spike protein, including several in the receptor-binding domain which directly interacts with the ACE2 receptors on human cells. JN.1 spreads more easily than earlier Omicron sublineages such as XBB.1.5. JN.1 can partially escape immunity induced by previous infections and vaccines, although not completely.
SARS-CoV-2 evolves through random mutations during replication. Some of these mutations provide a selective advantage, such as increased infectivity or immune escape. When this happens, new sub-lineages — or sub-variants — emerge and sometimes outcompete other strains.
Subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.5, seen to be behind recent surges in Covid infections, are descendants of JN.1, meaning they share its core mutational backbone but have acquired additional changes. These sub-variants carry new mutations in the spike protein, which may further improve immune evasion or infectivity. In Singapore and Hong Kong, over 70% of sequenced cases in April and May were attributed to LF.7 and NB.1.5.
The evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 appears to favor increased transmissibility and immune escape rather than virulence, which means it can spread faster but is less severe or harmful. This is a common path in viral evolution, especially in the face of rising global immunity through vaccination and prior infection.
Should JN.1 and its children scare you?
The emergence of JN.1 and its sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.5 underscores the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these new lineages appear to be more transmissible and better at evading immunity, they do not currently cause more severe illness than previous variants. Continued vigilance through vaccination, genomic surveillance, and public health measures remains critical in managing the spread.
Though the virus is now endemic, its capacity to mutate requires adaptive responses. The key takeaway for governments and individuals alike is not to be complacent. The virus has not disappeared — it has merely evolved, and our responses must evolve with it.
Dr T Jacob John, a virologist previously associated with Christian Medical College Vellore, has told TOI that there is no cause for concern yet. He, however, emphasised that preventive measures still hold the key in controlling the spread of the virus.
"These are all sub-variants of Omicron. The JN.1 variant, first detected in the US in September 2023, has been detected worldwide. The current seasonal surge is caused by further sub-variants of JN.1. Unlike the earlier variants, Omicron and all its sub-variants cause only upper respiratory tract infection, with almost no lung involvement, no hypoxia, and no bleeding/clotting disorders. Omicron and its sub-variants have become endemic everywhere, just like seasonal influenza. Occasional upsurges are expected, and one such upsurge is happening now, but healthy people recover in two weeks," Dr. John said.
Since mortality rate is still very low, there is no need for enforcing mask-wearing yet, he said but cautioned that like all respiratory diseases, the elderly and those with comorbidities need to be careful.
"The virus strain is mild and manageable. There is no mortality reported till now. Precautionary measures and preparedness are important, but there is absolutely no need to panic," Dr Sunil Khaparde, senior public health specialist and former team leader for Covid-19 surveillance in Maharashtra, has told TOI. Dr Nitin Shinde, senior infectious disease specialist from Nagpur, emphasised the strength of India's natural defence against Covid. "The natural immunity developed in India is strong enough. The current virus is not causing severe disease at all. People should not worry," Dr Shinde told TOI.
All usual precautions, especially for the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, are recommended by the experts.
(With inputs from TOI)
Health experts have urged the public, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, to reintroduce basic precautions such as wearing masks in enclosed spaces and practicing frequent hand hygiene.
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 continues to challenge global health systems, with new variants and sub-variants emerging even as the pandemic enters its endemic phase. Among the most notable recent developments is the rise of the JN.1 strain — an offshoot of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage. Two sub-variants of JN.1, known as LF-7 and NB.1.5, have now gained attention. The recent increase in cases is being attributed to these highly transmissible sub-variants and a natural decline in immunity among the population. While most people have previously contracted Covid, that immunity is now gradually waning.
What are Covid variants and sub-variants?
In the beginning was SARS-CoV-2, and now it has got a large family of variants and sub-variants. As the Covid pandemic enters its fifth year, new sub-variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge and drive localized surges in cases across various regions. Among the most discussed in recent months are the JN.1 variant and its sub-variants, LF.7 and NB.1.5. With significant increases in COVID-19 cases reported in India, Singapore and Hong Kong, understanding the virology, evolution, transmissibility, and public health implications of these sub-variants is essential.
JN.1 is a sublineage of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, also known as " Pirola". First detected in the United States in August 2023, JN.1 has since become a globally dominant strain due to its combination of high transmissibility and substantial immune evasion capabilities. It is characterized by over 30 mutations in the spike protein — the part of the virus responsible for binding to human cells.
JN.1 has more than 35 mutations in its spike protein, including several in the receptor-binding domain which directly interacts with the ACE2 receptors on human cells. JN.1 spreads more easily than earlier Omicron sublineages such as XBB.1.5. JN.1 can partially escape immunity induced by previous infections and vaccines, although not completely.
SARS-CoV-2 evolves through random mutations during replication. Some of these mutations provide a selective advantage, such as increased infectivity or immune escape. When this happens, new sub-lineages — or sub-variants — emerge and sometimes outcompete other strains.
Subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.5, seen to be behind recent surges in Covid infections, are descendants of JN.1, meaning they share its core mutational backbone but have acquired additional changes. These sub-variants carry new mutations in the spike protein, which may further improve immune evasion or infectivity. In Singapore and Hong Kong, over 70% of sequenced cases in April and May were attributed to LF.7 and NB.1.5.
The evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 appears to favor increased transmissibility and immune escape rather than virulence, which means it can spread faster but is less severe or harmful. This is a common path in viral evolution, especially in the face of rising global immunity through vaccination and prior infection.
Should JN.1 and its children scare you?
The emergence of JN.1 and its sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.5 underscores the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these new lineages appear to be more transmissible and better at evading immunity, they do not currently cause more severe illness than previous variants. Continued vigilance through vaccination, genomic surveillance, and public health measures remains critical in managing the spread.
Though the virus is now endemic, its capacity to mutate requires adaptive responses. The key takeaway for governments and individuals alike is not to be complacent. The virus has not disappeared — it has merely evolved, and our responses must evolve with it.
Dr T Jacob John, a virologist previously associated with Christian Medical College Vellore, has told TOI that there is no cause for concern yet. He, however, emphasised that preventive measures still hold the key in controlling the spread of the virus.
"These are all sub-variants of Omicron. The JN.1 variant, first detected in the US in September 2023, has been detected worldwide. The current seasonal surge is caused by further sub-variants of JN.1. Unlike the earlier variants, Omicron and all its sub-variants cause only upper respiratory tract infection, with almost no lung involvement, no hypoxia, and no bleeding/clotting disorders. Omicron and its sub-variants have become endemic everywhere, just like seasonal influenza. Occasional upsurges are expected, and one such upsurge is happening now, but healthy people recover in two weeks," Dr. John said.
Since mortality rate is still very low, there is no need for enforcing mask-wearing yet, he said but cautioned that like all respiratory diseases, the elderly and those with comorbidities need to be careful.
"The virus strain is mild and manageable. There is no mortality reported till now. Precautionary measures and preparedness are important, but there is absolutely no need to panic," Dr Sunil Khaparde, senior public health specialist and former team leader for Covid-19 surveillance in Maharashtra, has told TOI. Dr Nitin Shinde, senior infectious disease specialist from Nagpur, emphasised the strength of India's natural defence against Covid. "The natural immunity developed in India is strong enough. The current virus is not causing severe disease at all. People should not worry," Dr Shinde told TOI.
All usual precautions, especially for the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, are recommended by the experts.
(With inputs from TOI)
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