India reports 335 new COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths; Sub-variant JN.1 detected in Kerala

• India reports 335 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths, with active cases reaching 1,701
• COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 detected in a 79-year-old woman from Kerala during routine surveillance
• Kerala Health Minister reassures the public, stating that the sub-variant is not a cause for concern

India recorded 335 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths on Sunday, as reported by the Union Health Ministry. Among the fatalities, four occurred in Kerala, where the sub-variant JN.1 was identified, and one in Uttar Pradesh.

The total number of active cases increased to 1,701, contributing to a national caseload of 4.50 crore. The country's recovery rate stands at 98.81%, with 4.46 crore individuals having recovered from the infection. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry assures the public that the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, found in Kerala, is not a cause for concern and is being closely monitored.

The detection of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala has prompted attention, as a 79-year-old woman from the state tested positive for the variant during routine surveillance by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The case was identified in Thiruvananthapuram district, and the patient has since recovered from COVID-19.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that the sub-variant had been previously detected in Indian passengers screened at the Singapore airport. While emphasizing that there is no need for alarm, the minister urged people, especially those with comorbidities, to remain cautious. The situation is closely monitored, and authorities continue to stress adherence to preventive measures.