A new COVID-19 variant has been detected in the U.S.
A new variant of the COVID-19 virus, named JN.1, has been discovered and is causing a growing number of cases around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged the variant in a report issued late last week.
While JN.1 is not overly common in the U.S. at the moment, infectious disease experts are concerned about its infectiousness and are closely monitoring its spread. JN.1 is a variant that descended from BA.2.86, another Omicron variant of the virus.
BA.2.86 has more than 20 mutations on the spike protein, causing initial concerns about its potential spread. JN.1 has an additional mutation on its spike protein, making it more infectious.
As of now, there is no data to suggest that JN.1 causes different symptoms than previous COVID-19 variations. The symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
The contagiousness of JN.1 is still being determined. Some data suggests that its parent variant, BA.2.86, may be more transmissible than previous variants. However, there is currently no evidence that JN.1 will behave any differently.
As of now, JN.1 only makes up less than 0.1% of COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC. However, it is gaining steam in other countries, including the U.S., Iceland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and France. JN.1 has a mutation on its spike protein that makes it more immune evasive than its parent variants.
It is unclear whether the existing COVID-19 vaccines will protect against JN.1. However, the CDC notes that the spike protein is the target of vaccines, and the updated COVID-19 vaccine should be effective against JN.1. Data also shows that the updated vaccines help our immune systems block BA.2.86, and it is expected that they will have a similar effect on JN.1.
To protect against JN.1 and other variants, experts recommend getting the updated COVID-19 booster vaccine. It is also advisable to wear masks in public indoor spaces, especially for high-risk individuals. If infected with COVID-19, contact a doctor to see if you qualify for antiviral medication.
It is important to remain vigilant as COVID-19 continues to evolve. Taking necessary precautions, such as getting vaccinated and following public health guidelines, can help mitigate the spread of variants like JN.1.