Emergence of JN.1: A New COVID-19 Variant Raising Concerns

As we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, a new variant named JN.1, a descendent lineage of Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, has appeared on the global radar. This development has led to an increase in COVID-19 metrics, with nearly 10,000 people hospitalized for COVID in the U.S. for the week ending Nov. 25. The variant is projected to comprise 5%-15% of circulating variants in the U.S. and is reported more often in Europe.

Understanding JN.1 and Its Impact

JN.1 is a Covid variant that descended from BA.2.86 – the Pirola variant from Omicron. It has spread to 12 countries, including the US where it was initially spotted. Symptoms of JN.1 include temperature, runny nose, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and extreme fatigue. In the UK, where the variant has been identified, JN.1 is responsible for 7.9% of cases in England. The variant's weekly growth rate advantage is 84.2%, making it the variant with the highest growth advantage in at least eight months.

The Current State of the Pandemic and the Role of Vaccination

Despite the emergence of JN.1, the CDC has reported that Covid is still the primary cause of new respiratory virus hospitalizations and death, responsible for about 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths every week. The BA.2.86 variant, which was first detected over the summer, tripled in prevalence for the week ending Nov. 25 compared to the week before, up to 9% of new cases from 3%. However, the expected public health risk of this variant, including its offshoot JN.1, is deemed low by the CDC.

One of the key strategies in controlling the spread and impact of COVID-19 and its variants remains vaccination. Yet, the current vaccination rate among U.S. adults is less than 16%. This low uptake has prompted experts to urge the CDC to encourage vaccination before the holiday season. The World Health Organization elevated BA.2.86 from a variant under monitoring to a variant of interest, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and getting vaccinated.

Hope on the Horizon: The 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine

Despite the low vaccination coverage, there's hope on the horizon. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine appears to be effective against this new variant. The new XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine, which targets the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant, has shown promising results in boosting antibodies against JN.1 and other emergent viruses.

Even as we face the challenge of new variants like JN.1, the ongoing efforts to improve vaccines and increase their uptake offer a beacon of hope. However, it is essential to remember that we all play a part in controlling the spread of the virus. This includes continuing to adhere to mitigation measures, getting vaccinated, and staying updated with the latest information from reliable sources.