New Covid variant JN.1 is spreading rapidly in the US
With the holidays around the corner, scientists are intensifying their monitoring of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 which has seen rapid growth and now accounts for more than 20% of all cases according to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
This strain, which was first detected in September has experienced a significant increase, representing between 15% and 29% of COVID-19 infections in the latest CDC Nowcast report.
Although there is no evidence that the JN.1 variant causes more severe disease compared to other strains, its higher prevalence suggests possible greater transmissibility and ability to evade the immune system immunological.
Dr. Rebecca Wurtz, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, said the increase could be related to gatherings during Thanksgiving and the onset of winter.
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Despite the increase in JN.1 cases, experts stress that there is no reason for panic. Current vaccines and treatments are expected to remain effective against this variant. Dr. Wurtz noted that vaccination and prior infection appear to reduce the risk. of serious illness due to JN.1.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating, and is likely to continue generating new variants to survive. Although the original omicron variant caused concerns in 2022, JN.1 does not appear to pose a major risk in terms of severity.
Scientists note that the virus will continue to mutate, generating new variants, and it is crucial to maintain vigilance and adapt public health strategies as necessary.
Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, urges people to get vaccinated, especially before typical holiday activities such as shopping, religious services, and visiting family.
Recommends the use of masks in densely populated areas, especially for older people or those with chronic illnesses
Although the JN.1 variant has attracted attention, the key remains vaccination and continued caution during the Christmas celebrations to keep the spread of the virus at bay. With the winter season underway, experts urge the population to take preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthy vacation.
Dr. John Moore, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that despite the rise of JN.1, no breakthrough event has been observed during this phase of the pandemic. However, it underlines the importance of continuing to monitor and adapt strategies as the situation evolves.
In this context, Schaffner compared JN.1 and other subvariants to children and grandchildren of omicron and anticipates that this variant will continue to dominate. It is expected to be replaced by other variants in the future, highlighting the need to maintain flexibility and adaptability in public health strategies.
Although the rise of the JN.1 variant is a cause for attention and vigilance, experts emphasize that it is not a revolutionary event. The experience accumulated during the pandemic has shown the importance of adaptability and the ability to respond quickly. Mass vaccination remains the most effective tool to contain the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of the disease.
