NEW YORK,December 26,2023 – The world’s most contagious virus,known as JN.1, has been detected at two major U.S. airports-John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Los Angeles International Airport-just as holiday travel surges, raising concerns among health officials.
JN.1 Variant Spreads Amid Holiday Travel
A highly mutated strain of COVID-19 is gaining traction in the United States, prompting increased surveillance as millions travel for the holidays.
- JN.1 is a descendant of the Omicron variant BA.2.86.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the variant’s spread.
- Symptoms appear similar to other COVID-19 strains, but increased transmissibility is a concern.
- Travelers are advised to practice preventative measures like masking and hand hygiene.
What is the most contagious virus currently circulating in the U.S.? The JN.1 variant, a descendant of Omicron BA.2.86, is currently the most contagious virus detected in the United States, with cases identified at JFK and LAX airports.
what is JN.1?
JN.1 is a variant of SARS-CoV-2,the virus that causes COVID-19. It carries a important number of mutations, making it more transmissible than previous strains. The CDC estimates that as of December 22, 2023, JN.1 accounted for approximately 44 percent of circulating COVID-19 variants in the U.S., up from 17.3 percent the previous week. This rapid increase has prompted heightened monitoring by public health agencies.
