COVID-19 Makes a Comeback: JN.1 Variant Fuels New Wave of Infections. The COVID-19 pandemic, which once seemed to have receded, is now showing signs of a dangerous return in various Asian countries. A sudden increase in cases has been observed in India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand. The reason? A new and highly transmissible variant named JN.1, a subvariant of Omicron.
According to health experts, the JN.1 variant originated from the BA.2.86 (Pirola) strain and was first detected in late 2023. Since then, it has spread across the United States, UK, Singapore, India, and Hong Kong. Now, it’s back and spreading at an alarming pace.
Why Is JN.1 a Concern? The JN.1 variant shows significant mutations in its spike protein, allowing it to bind more easily to human cells. This makes it highly transmissible and more resistant to existing immunity. Even people who have previously been infected or vaccinated may not be fully protected.
COVID-19 Returns with a New Face: Rapid Spread of JN.1 Variant Alarms Experts
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a “Variant of Interest” (VOI), meaning it is under close observation and study. While it hasn’t yet proven to be more deadly than Omicron, its ability to spread rapidly is causing global concern.
Common Symptoms of JN.1: Sore throat, Runny nose, Fatigue, Cough, Fever and Headache
In Singapore, two more subvariants — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — are also contributing to the current wave. Both are offshoots of JN.1 and are associated with additional symptoms like: Conjunctivitis, Diarrhea, Loss of taste and smell.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against JN.1: The mRNA vaccines, including Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, appear to provide partial protection against JN.1. While they may not completely prevent infection, they significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization, severe illness, or death. Those who have taken booster doses in 2023–2024 are at a lower risk of complications.
Who Should Be More Cautious? People with comorbidities such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Health experts urge such individuals to wear masks, avoid crowded places, and keep vaccinations up to date.
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