Introduction
Starting from May 2025, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic is resurging in different parts of Asia due to the high transmission of the JN.1 variant. While some contaminations are mild, the health authorities are monitoring the situation closely due to rising caseloads, mainly in dense populations in urban areas. This article explores the JN.1 variant, its symptoms, regional breakdown of the cases and possible ways to mitigate the spread.
What is the JN.1 variant?
Omicron lineage is the main source of the JN.1 subvariant. It has multiple spike protein mutations that are empowered to affect a particular level of immunity built from the past vaccinations and infections.
What are the symptoms of the JN.1 variant?
Most of the symptoms are common with the past omicron variants, but some reports have indicated gastrointestinal issues with this specific variant.
Common symptoms
● Sore throat
● Fever
● Dry cough
● Headache
● Fatigue
● Runny nose or nasal congestion
● Muscle aches
Some occasional symptoms
● Nausea
● Diarrhoea
● Loss of smell and taste
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The regional breakdown of the rising COVID-19 in Asia
Present situation of Singapore
The case number of COVID-19 cases is sharply increasing in Singapore between 27th April and 3rd May 2025. The country has recorded approximately 14200 fresh cases, which marks a 28% increase compared to the previous week. There is a dramatic increase in the following week, where 25900 new cases are identified. Besides, the rates ofhospitalisation have risen by 30%, which is ultimately pressuring the country's healthcare infrastructure. The Ministry of Health in Singapore is aware that its public should practice putting on masks in crowded places and also adopt precautionary activities.
Hong Kong
The weekly cases of COVID-19 have surpassed 1000, with approximately 50 critical cases and deaths within 15 days. The government has implemented the isolation protocols to protect its people from this disastrous virus.
Thailand
More than 71000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 19 deaths, have been identified in Thailand. The majority of young adults aged between 30 and 39 have been confronted with this virus in the country.
China
The positive rate of the COVID-19 virus has doubled within the past five weeks. The hospitalisation data is not known presently, but the local governments and emergency departments are reinforcing the community-level testing to eradicate its major effects among the people.
India
As of 22nd May, 257 active cases have been identified in India, where Kerala has encountered 69 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with 34 and Maharashtra with 44 cases, with two deaths in Maharashtra. Other states like Karnataka, Delhi, and Gujarat are not exceptions in this regard as they recorded 8, 3, and 6 cases respectively, along with one case in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Sikkim.
The health ministry of India is highly concerned with genomic surveillance and promoting the booster doses.
What are the possible ways to mitigate the spread?
The responsibility of every person matters
The responsibility of every individual plays a vital role in curbing the spread. People must practice hygiene, wear masks in crowded places and follow isolation properly whenever they experience symptoms belonging to this variant.
Government action
The government should also act swiftly through testing, promoting the vaccine boosters and contact tracing. A public health campaign should also be initiated to educate people regarding the benefits of vaccination and the significance of mask-wearing.
The way forward
The sudden increase of COVID-19 cases in different parts of Asia, including India, is reminding us that the pandemic is not over. Both the citizen and the government need to stay vigilant and focus on timely actions to avoid any kind of health crisis.