JN.1 as Key Factor Driving Death Rates in China: Report

Amid a global resurgence of Covid-19 cases, China is reportedly facing an alarming increase in death rates attributed to infections caused by the JN.1 variant, as per a report by The Epoch Times. The country's crematoriums are said to be operating continuously due to a surge in Covid-related deaths.

Recent pneumonia outbreaks, particularly among children, have contributed to the strain on China's healthcare system. Locals in Henan province revealed that government-operated crematoriums are working tirelessly day and night. The report suggests that many individuals are experiencing fevers and colds, with local hospitals reaching full capacity. Instances of pneumonia-related deaths, especially among the elderly, have been on the rise.

Residents, such as Zhou Xiang (name changed), from Nanyang city in Henan Province, shared that individuals are not permitted to attribute their illnesses to Covid-19. Zhou mentioned, "Now, they are not allowed to say that it is related to Covid-19. They attribute the elderly patients’ infections to their underlying diseases because the medical system does not allow them to say that there is a Covid-19 virus."

The report implies that there is reluctance in acknowledging Covid-19 cases, with patients' requests for Covid-19 tests being denied. The alleged cause of the surge in deaths is the JN.1 variant, a sublineage of the Omicron variant present in 41 countries. While the World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes JN.1 as a variant of interest and states that infections are mild, The Epoch Times suggests that death rates include individuals of various age groups.

Zhou mentioned that in addition to the elderly, "the young people and children” are also succumbing to the virus. Despite this, the handling of their deaths is reportedly kept low-key. Funeral homes are reported to be operating 24 hours a day, with multiple crematoriums working continuously, indicating the severity of the situation.

(With Agency Inputs)