KUWAIT: Cases of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant have been detected in Kuwait, but the discovery is “predictable and not worrisome”, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said on Thursday. Dr Sanad, also director of the health communication center, addressed on Thursday new messages to the public; starting with the announcement regarding discoveries of JN.1 cases as a result of tests by genetic examination teams tasked with following up on the outbreak of COVID variants and other viruses in the country.

However, Dr Sanad assured the public that the detection of such variants is predictable and not worrisome. “And there are no extraordinary preventive measures at present,” Dr Sanad said, also noting that this period of the year regularly brings with it seasonal viruses that cause breathing illnesses. He advised people who feel infected to keep a distance from others and seek medical consultation, particularly when the symptoms persist or increase in intensity.

Dr Sanad added the ministry provides vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia or the latest type of the jab at 42 centers throughout Kuwait. He advised people, particularly those aged 60 and above, and those suffering from chronic diseases to be immunized. He also recommended that personnel at health facilities use masks during worktime.

The ministry of health hosted 93 specialized doctors from around the world as part of its visiting doctors program in the past three months. In a statement on Thursday, Dr Sanad said the ministry receives a number of consultants specialized in different medical fields every month. He added the goal of the program, besides treating patients, is sharing experience as well as discussing the recent developments in the medical world through seminars and workshops.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanad warned against the increasing number of accidents related to cars, motorcycles and buggies during the camping season. There have been 700 cases of such accidents reported since the beginning of December, mostly of youth of both genders suffering head injuries, broken bones, dislocated joints, internal bleeding and death, he noted. Dr Sanad called on parents to make their children aware about the dangers of reckless driving and encourage them to abide by traffic laws to protect their lives and the lives of others. – KUNA