Nepal is at risk of COVID-19 infections: Experts

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 22: Health experts have called for increased vigilance in Nepal as the COVID-19 JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron, continues to spread rapidly across Asia, with notable surges reported from India, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Although the JN.1 variant is not new to Nepal, as it was detected in the past, experts are advising people to remain alert. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, Chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, warned that Nepal remains at risk due to its geographical proximity to India and frequent cross-border movement. 

“With the variant spreading fast in India and considering our experiences, we must remain alert,” he said. 

He noted that while the JN.1 variant is not new in Nepal, and most people may have developed immunity against it, its behaviour has started resembling seasonal flu. 

However, he cautioned that the variant could still mutate, and how aggressive it might become remains to be seen. 

“Transmission isn’t limited to India alone. The virus can also spread from countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, especially through air travel,” he added. 

To respond proactively, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has initiated several preventive measures. 

Director of EDCD, Dr. Chandra Bhal Jha, said the division has been consulting with public health experts to assess preparedness and implement appropriate steps. 

“Just today, we held three meetings with the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and we have another meeting tomorrow with NPHL and the World Health Organisation,” said Dr. Jha. 

According to him, health desks stationed at air and border entry points have been directed to remain alert and act promptly if symptoms are reported. 

The division is also preparing to distribute Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits in the border areas to facilitate immediate testing of suspected cases. 

Health workers at these points have been instructed to conduct health screening for travellers entering Nepal from India. 

Dr. Jha acknowledged that while only one active COVID-19 case is officially reported in Nepal at present, undetected cases may exist. The person who tested positive for the virus has no severe symptoms. 

“COVID-19 has now become more like seasonal flu, and unless the number of cases exceeds 40, we don’t conduct genome sequencing to detect the specific variant,” he clarified. 

He assured the public that Nepal’s experience in managing outbreaks has equipped the country to respond effectively if the situation worsens. 

“We have faced this challenge before. We know what to do,” he added. 

In India, active COVID-19 cases have risen to 257, with Kerala reporting the highest number with 95, followed by Tamil Nadu at 66 and Maharashtra at 56.

Singapore has experienced a 28 per cent increase in weekly cases, reaching 14,200, while Hong Kong has reported over 33,000 cases with 31 deaths linked to the variant within a week.