SALT LAKE CITY — Health experts worldwide are closely monitoring the rapid spread of the coronavirus subvariant, JN.1, which has been causing concern due to its increasing prevalence.
The World Health Organization has reported that JN.1 accounted for just 3% of COVID-19 cases in early November, but has since surged to make up more than a quarter (27.1%) of cases worldwide. This has raised alarms about the potential for a surge in cases, particularly in countries currently experiencing winter.
Impact and Vaccines
Despite the rapid spread of JN.1, the World Health Organization has stated that available vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness in individuals infected with this subvariant. While the illness caused by JN.1 is predicted to be less severe than other omicron sublineages, the presence of flu and RSV in circulation could exacerbate the respiratory disease burden.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also noted that JN.1 is the “fastest growing variant” in the U.S., comprising an estimated 15-29% of cases as of December 8, 2023. However, there is currently no indication that the symptoms produced by JN.1 are more severe than those of other variants.
Characteristics of JN.1
JN.1, which emerged in early August, is a descendant of the omicron variant and shares similarities with the BA.2.86 variant. It has been observed to have rapid evolution, leading to concerns that it may be better at evading immune systems or more transmissible. The variant has been detected in 41 countries, with the most cases reported in France, the U.S., Singapore, Canada, Britain, and Sweden.
Symptoms and Outlook
According to the CDC, symptoms of JN.1 are similar to those of other strains, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, and loss of sense of taste or smell. However, the severity of symptoms is largely dependent on an individual’s underlying health and immunity.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants, ongoing vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines remain crucial in mitigating the impact of emerging subvariants like JN.1.
Agree: Stay updated, follow safety measures, and prioritize your health to combat the rapid spread of the JN.1 variant.