Following a period of relative calm, new Covid-19 variants have reemerged, drawing attention from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This time, two variants, JN.1 and HV.1, have raised concerns due to their potential to evade the immune system.
In a recent respiratory virus update, the CDC disclosed that JN.1, which belongs to the same lineage as BA.2.86, exhibits an additional spike mutation known as the L455S mutation, giving it immune-evasion properties. This variant was first detected in the US in September and has since been found in 11 other countries, including the UK, US, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain. However, it’s worth noting that JN.1 constitutes less than 0.1 percent of SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in the US.
The CDC has reassured the public that initial data suggests that updated Covid vaccines should provide protection against BA.2.86 and, by extension, JN.1. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, emphasized, “The updated vaccine is closer to JN.1 than our old vaccine, the hope is that, even if we see more cases with JN.1, the updated vaccine will protect against severe disease.”
Additionally, another variant, HV.1, emerged during the summer, prior to a surge in cases in September. This variant now accounts for nearly 20 percent of all Covid cases in the US. HV.1 is considered a sub-variant of Omicron XBB, descending from EG.5. Both JN.1 and HV.1 are believed to be highly transmissible.
The CDC reminds us that new variants will continue to emerge as long as Covid-19 remains a threat. While most variants represent minor changes, agencies like the CDC closely monitor their impact on vaccines, tests, and treatments and pledge to promptly inform the public of any concerning developments.
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