New JN 1 COVID Variant Raises Concern

New JN 1 COVID Variant Raises Concern, as the winter illness season approaches its peak in the United States, a new variant of the virus responsible for COVID-19, named JN.1, is gaining prominence. This variant, identified as another offshoot of the Omicron lineage, was initially detected in September but exhibited a gradual spread. Recent data from labs affiliated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that JN.1 is steadily becoming more prevalent, surpassing 20% of test samples during the two-week period ending on December 9. Projections suggest that it may account for at least half of new infections in the U.S. by the end of December.

On December 19, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated JN.1 as a variant of interest due to its rapidly increasing spread, signifying a new strain with potential for heightened severity, reduced vaccine effectiveness, or significant impacts on healthcare delivery.

JN.1 is closely related to BA.2.86, another descendant of Omicron that emerged in the U.S. during the summer. Despite their nearly identical nature, with only a single difference in their spike proteins, the CDC suggests that the increasing prevalence of JN.1 implies either higher contagiousness or enhanced evasion of the body’s immune defenses. Presently, there’s no evidence suggesting that JN.1 causes more severe disease than previous variants, although it may contribute to increased transmission.

Assurances are provided regarding the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines against JN.1. While the latest booster shot targeted the XBB.1.5 variant, preliminary research indicates that it generates antibodies effective against JN.1, albeit in slightly lower quantities. The WHO’s expert COVID-19 vaccine advisory group recommends sticking with the current vaccines for cross protection against JN.1.

Despite the CDC no longer logging every COVID-19 diagnosis, various indicators suggest an increase in disease. Wastewater surveillance and rising hospitalizations in the Northeast indicate heightened COVID-19 activity. However, it remains uncertain whether JN.1 will cause a significant surge in cases, especially during the busy holiday season.

Internationally, JN.1 has been classified as a “variant of interest” by the WHO, with a growing presence in countries such as India, China, and the U.S. While the risk to the public is currently deemed low, the WHO warns of a potential rise in COVID-19 and other respiratory infections during the winter season.

As JN.1 continues to be the fastest-growing variant in the United States, accounting for a notable percentage of infections, global health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination, masking in crowded indoor areas, and limiting exposure to potentially infected individuals as the primary defenses against JN.1 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Read: Earthquake Hits China Leaving 100+ Dead