A recently identified strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus pandemic four years ago, has been identified in numerous countries.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated JN.1 as a "variant of interest." Having surfaced in the United States in September, the variant has since proliferated across 41 countries.
Public health agencies worldwide are closely observing this new variant due to its heightened transmission rate.
Here's an overview of what is currently known about the strain and its associated risk.
What characterizes the novel COVID-19 strain JN.1?
Originating from its predecessor, BA 2.86, the new coronavirus strain, JN.1, is part of the lineage of the "Omicron" variant, a more severe form of COVID-19 that reached its peak last year.
Each virus possesses distinct "spike proteins" that facilitate cell infection and symptom development. Changes or "mutations" in the DNA sequence of these spikes indicate the emergence of a new viral "variant."
Variants vary in terms of severity, contagion, and responsiveness to symptom treatments.
According to Laith Abu-Raddad, a professor of healthcare policy and research at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, "The new variant demonstrates a greater genetic divergence from its predecessors, indicating an ongoing evolution of the virus."
Where has JN.1 been identified?
JN.1 was initially identified in the United States in September, approximately a month after its precursor variant, BA 2.86, was documented in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday that it has now spread to 41 countries, based on the analysis of 7,344 submitted sequences. Regular analysis of virus sequences from PCR tests is conducted to identify emerging strains.
During its first month, JN.1 accounted for only 0.1 percent of coronavirus transmissions in the US. However, as of December 8, it is now responsible for 15 to 29 percent of COVID cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC also observed a historical pattern of the coronavirus peaking around the new year.
Other countries with notable case numbers include France, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, according to the WHO.
China reported seven cases last week. In early December, JN.1 was also detected in the Indian state of Kerala.
A 79-year-old female patient exhibited mild, influenza-like symptoms and has since recovered.
On Monday, the health minister of the neighboring Karnataka state mandated masks for individuals above the age of 60 and those with heart or respiratory issues. India has reported a total of 21 cases of the JN.1 virus so far.
Is there cause for concern regarding JN.1?
The CDC has not identified any evidence indicating that JN.1 poses a heightened risk to public health when compared to other variants.
Experts suggest that the increase in cases may be attributed to seasonal trends and conditions, particularly during the winter season.
Factors such as increased indoor activities globally contribute to more efficient pathogen spread.
According to Abu-Raddad, "The need for heating often leads to reduced ventilation in homes, creating an environment conducive to increased virus transmission."
Symptoms associated with JN.1 are anticipated to align with those of COVID-19, and precautionary measures from the pandemic era, such as social distancing and mask-wearing, are being recommended.
What are the symptoms of JN.1?
As with other COVID-19 variants, symptoms can vary depending on an individual's immunity and overall health, as stated by the CDC.
Common indicators encompass fever or chills, cough, fatigue, and body aches.