WHO tags JN.1 strain as 'variant of interest' as Covid cases rise
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recently designated the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 as a "variant of interest" due to its rapid spread.
- Current vaccines are reported to continue protecting against severe disease and death caused by JN.1.
JN.1 Virus
- JN.1 cases were reported globally, including the US, European countries, Singapore, and China.
- Recently, a case of the JN.1 subvariant was identified in Kerala during the continuous routine surveillance conducted by INSACOG.
- The JN.1 virus is a novel variant of Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 ( called Pirola) with an additional spike protein mutation.
- It has the capability to spread rapidly and evade immunity, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and caution.
- Symptoms: fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
Classification of Variants
- Variant of Interest
- Variant with a genetic capability that affects characteristics of the virus such as disease severity, immune escape, transmissibility and diagnostic escape.
- A VOI causes a consequential volume of community transmission.
- Variant of Concern
- A variant of concern translates to a rise in transmissibility, an increase in fatality and a significant decrease in effectiveness of vaccines, therapy and other health measures.
- Variant of High Consequence
- Variants with clear evidence that prevention measures or medical countermeasures have significantly reduced effectiveness.
- Variants Under Investigation (VUI)
- Variants considered to have epidemiological, immunological, or pathogenic properties that warrant formal investigation.
Prelims Takeaway
- Variant of Interest
- JN.1 Virus
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- INSACOG