CDC flags a new COVID-19 variant named JN.1

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about a new COVID-19 variant known as JN.1.

In an October report, the CDC described JN.1 as a novel and highly mutated strain that descends from the Omicron variant, specifically the BA.2.86 (Pirola) variant. While it’s not yet widely prevalent, it appears to be on the rise in both Europe and the United States.

The United States was the first country to report the presence of JN.1 in September. Since then, it has been identified in 11 other countries, including the UK, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. Both JN.1 and BA.2.86 are relatively rare COVID-19 variants in the US, accounting for less than 0.1 percent of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Worldwide, there have been 51 reported cases of the new variant.

Here’s a closer look at what we know about the JN.1 COVID-19 variant:

What is the JN.1 COVID-19 variant?

The CDC is still in the process of studying and learning about this new variant. However, it has identified some key features of JN.1.

JN.1 differentiates itself from its predecessor, BA.2.86, through a mutation in the spike protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect cells.

According to Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York, BA.2.86 has more than 20 mutations on the spike protein, initially raising concerns that it might pose a significant problem.

Dr. Russo has described JN.1 as potentially more challenging to detect and somewhat “devious.” Nevertheless, recent data from CWC suggests that BA.2.86 did not spread rapidly, evade immunity, and was susceptible to the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines. Expectations are that the new variant, JN.1, will behave similarly.

Symptoms of the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant

The symptoms associated with JN.1 are akin to those of previous COVID-19 variants. According to the CDC, the symptoms of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
To protect against the JN.1 COVID-19 variant, it is essential for individuals to remain up-to-date with the latest vaccines. Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screenings, emphasized the importance of adapting the vaccination program to address concerns about new COVID variants, especially for those most at risk. He urged everyone eligible to come forward promptly for this crucial protection, especially with the onset of colder months.