Surveillance stepped up in Birgunj with surge in JN.1 variant in India

The authorities have stepped up surveillance along the Nepal-India border in Birgunj Metropolitan City of Parsa district in southern Nepal. The measure comes in the wake of the detection of a new variant of COVID-19 at the transit point a few days ago and the increasing infection rate in Indian cities. The JN.1 is said to be the latest variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus that is gradually spreading in the southern neighbour.

To control the situation, a health desk has been set up along the border for the health screening of people returning from India. Those desirous to enter the country are required to undergo an antigen test if they have fever and cough before entering the country. The health desk, operated by the Birgunj metropolis for the last one month, initially screens for symptoms such as fever and cough. Individuals with symptoms are required to undergo an antigen test. So far 5,200 people have been screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the desk. Out of 200 tests conducted on Wednesday last week, three cases were confirmed positive. Those testing positive are advised to undergo home isolation, said a staff at the health desk of Birgunj metropolis. The health desk is manned by two nurses, three health assistants, two lab technicians, and one lab assistant. District Health Office, Parsa has increased surveillance along the border in Birgunj following the surge in infections in Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka provinces in India.