Sindh health department has confirmed the emergence of two suspected cases of new coronavirus variant JN-1 in the province.
The individuals were identified during screenings upon their arrival in Karachi, showing symptoms associated with the new variant.
The specific variant is yet to be determined, raising concerns among officials that these cases might be linked to the rapidly spreading JN.1 variant, a cause for global alarm.
Reportedly aged between 50 and 60, the two passengers arrived from Bangkok and Jeddah on separate days. Displaying flu-like symptoms, rapid antigen tests confirmed their COVID-19 positivity. Samples have been dispatched to a local university lab for comprehensive analysis to ascertain the specific variant.
Health officials emphasize the high contagiousness of this new strain, underscoring the necessity of quarantining infected individuals to mitigate further spread.
Despite the diagnosis, both passengers were allowed to travel under quarantine instructions to their respective hometowns of Dera Ghazi Khan and Sanghar.
Concerns were raised regarding the limited screening percentage of passengers (only 2%) using rapid antigen tests. The Sindh Health Department highlighted the absence of directives from the National Command and Operation Center regarding quarantine facilities.
JN-1, recognized as one of the fastest-spreading coronavirus variants, accounts for a significant percentage of cases in the United States. Hospitals have witnessed a surge in patient admissions over the past few weeks, attributed to this variant.
