WHO Classifies Covid JN.1 Strain As 'Variant Of Interest' Amid Surge In Cases

The UN body has said the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 can evade the immune system and transmit more easily than other circulating variants at present.

WHO's separate classification for Covid-19 JN.1 sub-variant.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" amid a surge in cases since after the fresh variant was discovered. According to a report in Reuters, the UN body has said the current evidence shows the risk to public health was low from the strain.

Reuters cited two experts stating that the strain can evade the immune system and transmit more easily than other circulating variants at present, however, the JN.1 variant has not shown any signs of more severe disease.

The strain was previously classified as a variant of interest as part of its parent lineage BA.2.86, but the WHO has now classified it as a separate variant of interest. It said the current vaccines will continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating COVID-19 virus variants.

JN.1 was first detected in the United States in September, according to the CDC, Reuters reported. Seven infections of this strain were detected in China last week. 

The WHO earlier said that the virus is evolving and changing. The global body shared a video of its COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, who explained the reason for the recent surges and what precautions can be taken.   

"Dr @mvankerkhove talks about the current surge in respiratory diseases #COVID19 and JN.1 subvariant. WHO continues to assess the situation.  Follow WHO's public health advice to keep your families and friends safe during this holiday season," the WHO shared a video on X, formerly Twitter.

Dr @mvankerkhove talks about the current surge in respiratory diseases #COVID19 and JN.1 subvariant.

WHO continues to assess the situation. Follow WHO's public health advice to keep your families and friends safe during this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/HvAZVMMN49

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 17, 2023

A case of the sub-variant was also detected in Kerala recently leading to action by authorities in the state and neighbouring Karnataka. Masks have been made mandatory for people over the age of 60 in Karnataka amid the Covid scare.