Punjab Reports First Case of COVID-19 J Variant as 51-Year-Old Woman Tests Positive

Mohali(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab has reported its first confirmed case of the COVID-19 "J variant" this season, with a 51-year-old woman from Haryana testing positive at a hospital in Mohali. Health officials confirmed the detection of the J variant following genome sequencing.

The patient had recently traveled to Punjab for a family event and began showing mild symptoms, including fever and fatigue. She was admitted to the hospital as a precaution and is currently in stable condition under observation. No other cases have been linked to her so far.

This marks the state’s first recorded instance of the J variant, a recently emerging sub-lineage under global surveillance due to its increased transmissibility. However, there is no evidence yet to suggest it causes more severe illness compared to previous strains.

Punjab health authorities have initiated contact tracing and advised residents to maintain COVID-appropriate behavior, especially in crowded places. Officials emphasized that while the case is not cause for panic, early detection is key to preventing spread.