The World Health Organization (WHO) recently designated a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, as a “variant of interest.”
This classification means that health officials worldwide are now closely monitoring the spread of this variant, which is showing a worrying trend of rapid global transmission.
JN.1, a highly mutated strain, is currently outpacing its predecessor, the BA.2.86 variant, in terms of spread. While it hasn’t been linked to more severe illness compared to previous versions of the coronavirus, its quick dissemination is a cause for vigilance.
According to the WHO’s latest report, JN.1 has been detected in multiple countries and is quickly becoming the predominant lineage descended from BA.2.86.
The WHO categorizes a virus as a variant of interest when it shows the potential to affect key virus characteristics.
These characteristics include changes in transmissibility, the ability to evade treatments and vaccines, and a growth pattern that poses an emerging threat to global public health.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a classification system for COVID-19 variants but has not yet labeled JN.1 as a variant of interest.
Despite this, the WHO has noted early indications that JN.1’s mutations may enhance its capacity to evade the body’s immune defenses.
Regarding spread within the United States, CDC estimates from earlier this month indicated that JN.1 was the fastest-growing strain, accounting for over 20% of COVID-19 cases nationwide.
According to the CDC, it is also projected to become the dominant strain across the country.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines, tailored for this season, are still expected to protect JN.1.
However, the WHO has pointed out that early studies show a reduction in “cross neutralization” with JN.1, which is a measure of how well the vaccines might work against this variant.
Despite this reduction, the WHO believes that the current monovalent vaccines targeting the XBB.1.5 variant should still be effective against JN.1.
New estimates on the prevalence and spread of JN.1 are anticipated to be published soon by the CDC. This situation underscores the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous need for vigilance and adaptation in the face of emerging variants.
As JN.1 becomes more prevalent, health authorities and the public alike are urged to stay informed and prepared to respond to the evolving landscape of the pandemic.
If you care about sleep, please read studies about the science on 3 traditional bedtime remedies, and this sleep supplement may help prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
For more information about sleep, please see recent studies about how to sleep to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and results showing scientists find silent sleep danger for smokers.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
