2024-01-07 22:44:52
COVID-19 Mutates, Experts Warn of New Threat
As the coronavirus continues to evolve, experts are issuing warnings that the JN.1 variant, also known as the “Pirola” offspring, could mark the beginning of a new phase in the pandemic. This sub-variant, which descended from the BA.2.86 variant, has quickly become the dominant virus in the USA and is expected to spread worldwide.
The JN.1 variant differs from its predecessor in just one mutation in the spike protein, but this small change has experts concerned. Infectiologist Thomas Russo from the University of Buffalo warned that the new variant could be particularly effective at evading the immune system.
While there are currently no signs that JN.1 leads to more severe illness, reports from Great Britain suggest that it may cause unusual symptoms, such as anxiety, sleep problems, and increased intestinal infections. The variant Pirola, from which JN.1 originated, has also been linked to atypical symptoms such as diarrhea, eye inflammation, and skin rash.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared JN.1 a variant of interest and experts believe that it could set the stage for future variants of the virus. Biology professor Ryan Gregory has said that JN.1 could mark the beginning of “a new era” in the pandemic, becoming the source from which most future variants will descend.
However, not all experts agree on the implications of JN.1. Some caution that the next subline of variants could be derived from JN.1, while others suggest that a completely different variant could emerge, similar to the previous emergence of the Omicron variant.
In light of these developments, the BAG and the Federal Commission on Vaccination Questions (Ekif) have issued updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. Particularly vulnerable individuals, including those over 65, those with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, are advised to receive the vaccine in autumn or winter. The vaccination is covered by compulsory health insurance.
As the coronavirus continues to evolve and new variants emerge, experts and health authorities are urging vigilance and continued vaccination efforts to combat the ongoing threat of the virus.]
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