NEW DELHI: As many as 21 cases of Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in India from three states, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul said on Wednesday.
According to official sources, 19 cases of the new variant have been found in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra.

However, Dr Paul said that there is no need to worry about the new strain and advised states to ramp up vigilence.

There has been a slight uptick in Covid cases across India in the recent days. However, it is unclear whether the rise in cases can be attributed to the new strain.
Dr Paul said that the scientific community in India was closely investigating the new variant as he emphasised on the need for states to ramp up testing and strengthen their surveillance systems.
Paul added that about 91 to 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment.
In Goa, where most cases of the new variant has been found, state health minister Vishwajit Rane said the health department is geared up to tackle any fresh outbreak.
Rane added that of the 19 cases that have been detected, all the patients have mild symptoms and no one is in serious condition.
The Union health ministry officials said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working on genome sequencing of the new variant.
Earlier this week, the Centre urged the states and union territories to maintain a constant vigil amid an uptick in Covid-19 cases and the detection of the new JN.1 variant in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)