The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 COVID-19 variant as a "variant of interest." The global health body said that this COVID-19 strain does not pose much threat to public health.
The WHO also said that current vaccines are able to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
WHO's Post On JN.1 Variant
In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, WHO wrote, "Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages."
Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low, WHO said.
"Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries," according to the global health body.
NEW: #COVID19 variant of interest JN.1
December 19, 2023
Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.
Based on the available… pic.twitter.com/lvyd3sq1f7#COVID19 is not the only respiratory disease circulating. #Influenza, RSV and common childhood #pneumonia are on the rise.
December 19, 2023
Take measures to prevent infections and severe disease using all available tools.https://t.co/yEFkir3Bp4First JN.1 Case In India
JN.1 was first detected in Kerala on December 8 in a 79- year-old woman, from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district. She has now recovered, according to authorities.
The subvariant was identified when the sample was put through an ongoing routine surveillance activity of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) and has been linked to the slight upurge in cases in the state.
#HealthForAll#COVID19Update
December 16, 2023
A case of JN.1, a subvariant of #COVID19, found in Kerala as part of the ongoing routine surveillance by INSACOG
Mock Drill being held in all health facilities in States as part of the regular exercise of Union Health Ministry to assess their…Advisory By Government
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released an advisory on Monday asking states to make arrangements and put public health measures in place to minimise transmission of the infection.
Health authorities have said they are monitoring the situation and have asked people, especially those with comorbidities, to remain cautious.
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