Karnataka Initiates Comprehensive Audit of COVID-19 Deaths Amid JN.1 Variant Concerns

In response to the detection of the JN.1 variant and an increase in deaths, Karnataka’s Health Department is launching a comprehensive audit of all fatalities since December 15. Three COVID-19 patients who died in Bengaluru and Ramanagara tested positive for the JN.1 variant. The audit aims to identify deaths directly attributed to COVID-19 and those where COVID-19 findings were incidental.

District death audit committees will be reactivated to analyze deaths, considering factors such as common symptoms, age groups affected, comorbidities, timely medical help, and vaccination status. The findings will guide early intervention strategies and potential resource allocation in State-run hospitals, emphasizing the importance of early reporting and awareness of warning signs. The analysis will build on lessons learned from previous death audits during the pandemic.