Districts in North Karnataka region that had not reported any Covid-19 cases in the last year are now experiencing a surge in cases, particularly in Hubballi. The detection of the JN.1 variant of Covid-19 in Bengaluru and other parts of the country prompted the state government to initiate widespread testing in the region. Despite high vaccination rates, the recent increase in JN.1 cases has raised concerns. District hospitals are now referring individuals with ILI and SARI symptoms for Covid-19 testing. Adequate arrangements have been made to treat Covid-19 patients in all districts.
A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8. The JN.1 sub-variant first identified in Luxembourg and since spreading to several countries is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86).
The latest wave is fueled by the newest XBB Omicron variant that has led to spike in cases starting late April. Reports say COVID-19 cases will reach nearly 40 million per week in May before peaking at 65 million a week by the end of May