KATHMANDU: As concerns grow globally about the rapid spread of a sub-variant of the Omicron strain, two individuals returning from India have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nepal.
Seventy individuals returning to Nepal from India via the Gaurifanta Border Point in Sudurpaschim Province underwent COVID-19 tests on Wednesday. Out of these, two individuals tested positive for the disease, while 68 tests returned negative results.
The specific strain of the virus in these cases is yet to be confirmed, raising questions about the presence of the JN.1 strain of the coronavirus. JN.1 has been identified in several countries, including India, China, the UK, and the United States.
Despite the global spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) currently assesses the risk to the public as low, with existing vaccines continuing to provide protection. However, the WHO warns of the potential for increased COVID and other respiratory infections during the winter season.
While there is limited evidence on JN.1’s ability to evade vaccine immunity, there are no reports of individuals experiencing more severe illness with this variant compared to previous ones. Additionally, respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and childhood pneumonia are on the rise in the northern hemisphere.
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