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WHO tags JN.1 strain as 'variant of interest' as Covid cases rise

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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

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