JN.1 Covid variant: WHO charts its rapid global spread

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus, known as JN. 1, as a 'variant of interest' due to its rapid global spread. This variant has been detected in numerous countries, including India, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Despite its rapid spread, the risk to the public remains low, and current vaccines continue to provide protection, according to the WHO. However, the organization warns that the incidence of Covid and other infections could increase during the winter season.

Respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. The virus that causes Covid-19 is constantly evolving, and this can sometimes lead to the development of new variants. Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time now. The WHO is currently tracking several variants of interest linked to Omicron, including JN. 1, although none of them are considered to be of concern at this time.

Despite this, JN. 1 is spreading rapidly in many parts of the world. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, accounting for 15-29% of infections, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The UK Health Security Agency reports that JN. 1 currently constitutes around 7% of positive Covid tests analyzed in a lab. The agency has stated that it will continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants.