Covid makes a cautious comeback: New JN.1 variant triggers rise in Karnataka cases

The coronavirus, once responsible for bringing the world to a standstill, is showing signs of a quiet return, with the newly identified JN.1 variant causing fresh waves in parts of Asia, especially Singapore and Hong Kong. In India, Karnataka is beginning to observe a notable uptick in infections, particularly through the month of May.

Health department figures reveal a sharp climb—from just a handful of cases in the first four months of 2025 to 33 new infections in May alone. Earlier months saw three cases each in January, March, and April, and just one in February.

Among the newly infected is a 9-month-old infant from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural. The baby was initially treated at a private facility and has now been transferred to Vani Vilas Hospital for specialized care.

As of now, 16 active COVID-19 cases are present in Karnataka. Across India, the count stands at 257 active cases. Fortunately, most individuals are experiencing mild symptoms, with no major need for hospital admission.

In response, the Union Health Ministry has appealed for calm, urging people not to panic but to maintain vigilance. Monitoring, early detection, and preventive hygiene remain key to containing any potential surge.

While the numbers are still relatively low, the trend highlights the need for continued public awareness and readiness.

#CovidUpdate #JN1Variant #KarnatakaHealth #StayVigilant