Pakistan has confirmed the detection of four cases of the JN.1 variant, identified as a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of the coronavirus.
Pakistan has confirmed the detection of four cases of the JN.1 variant, identified as a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of the coronavirus. This information was reported by ARY News, with details provided by the Ministry of Health spokesperson.
According to the spokesperson, all four individuals affected by the JN.1 variant exhibited mild symptoms of the new coronavirus strain. However, reassuringly, the spokesperson stated that all four patients had successfully recovered without experiencing any complications during their illness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated JN.1 as a “variant of interest.”
Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, emphasized the government’s proactive approach to closely monitor the situation. He highlighted the operational readiness of border health services, national and provincial health authorities’ labs, and the effective screening systems in place at international airports.
Dr. Nadeem Jan also mentioned that 90% of Pakistan’s population has already been vaccinated, demonstrating the country’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the ongoing pandemic. The Border Health Services Department is diligently implementing the recommendations outlined in the International Health Regulations.
In a bid to address concerns surrounding the new variant, Sindh Health Department has confirmed two suspected cases of COVID-19 in passengers who recently arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. These cases, suspected to be of the highly transmissible JN.1 variant, involve individuals between the ages of 50 and 60 who arrived from Bangkok and Jeddah.
To further assess and manage the situation, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) convened a meeting, during which it was decided to conduct COVID testing for all passengers arriving from abroad. This strategic move aims to identify and isolate potential cases of the JN.1 variant.
Dr. Nadeem Jan reiterated the government’s commitment to monitoring the evolving situation, especially as the JN.1 variant has been reported in several countries. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to safety measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and other precautions to prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19 and flu, particularly during the winter season.
As the global community grapples with emerging variants, Pakistan stands resilient in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. The collaboration between federal and provincial health authorities, coupled with the public’s cooperation, remains crucial in navigating these challenging times.