COVID-19 variant JN.1 in India: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday declared COVID variant JN.1 as ‘Variant of Interest’.
“Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages,” the global health agency said in a statement.
WHO is continuously monitoring the evidence and will update the JN.1 risk evaluation as needed, it added.
After the JN.1 variant was detected in India, the Central government issued an advisory to all the states amid the rising COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, Mandaviya will conduct the review meeting virtually, involving health ministers, additional chief principal secretaries (health) from all states and Union territories, as well as officials from relevant central ministries and departments.
Concern among doctors and health experts
The new COVID subvariant, JN.1, recently identified in India, particularly in Kerala, has raised concerns due to a significant increase in cases.
According to Dr. Kiran G Kulirankal, Assistant professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amrita hospital, Kochi, derived from the BA.2.86 variant, JN.1 has emerged without showing signs of severe pneumonia at this point.
“Amid the ongoing flu season, testing becomes crucial for differentiating between COVID-19 and influenza. Past vaccination against COVID-19 is recognized as a potential preventive measure, impeding the progression of the disease to a severe form. The impact of JN.1 on India, especially in Kerala, is worrisome for vulnerable populations,” Dr. Kulirankal told Financial Express.com.
Who are the high-risk groups?
Dr. Kulirankal emphasised that the high-risk groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised individuals (those on immunosuppressants, patients with malignancy, and those with chronic kidney and liver diseases), need to be more cautious.
“Extra care is advised for this demographic due to the potential for increased mortality and morbidity. To address these concerns, recommended measures include prioritizing the use of face masks, adopting social distancing practices, and avoiding crowded areas. These actions aim to prevent the viruses spread and mitigate the impact of the JN.1 subvariant on public health in India,” she told Financial Express.com.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron as a “notable descendent lineage” indicating potential increased transmissibility compared to its predecessors.
According to experts, the variant has gained attention due to its rapid spread.
‘JN.1 variant has immune-evading capabilities’
Initial data suggests JN.1 may possess enhanced immune-evading capabilities, potentially bypassing protections from vaccines and prior infections, including the XBB variant, Dr. Kulirankal said.
“Confirmed by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) in Kerala, its global reach is underscored. JN.1, a direct descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, carries a mutation that enhances its ability to evade immune responses,” she added.
What are the symptoms of JN.1 variant?
Common symptoms associated with this subvariant include:
Fever,
Coughing,
Tiredness,
Nasal congestion,
Runny nose,
Diarrhea,
and headaches.
“However, it remains too early to definitively assess the severity and public health impact, necessitating ongoing research and surveillance. Reassuringly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently report no evidence of increased public health risk or severity compared to other circulating variants,” she explained.
Dr. Kulirankal also maintained that ensuring full vaccination and receiving booster shots remains crucial. “The CDC emphasizes that vaccination, including booster shots, is the most effective defense against severe illness. As the situation evolves, staying up to date with vaccinations is a key strategy to mitigate the potential impact of emerging variants like JN.1 on public health,” she added.
What are WHO’s recommendations against the JN.1 variant?
WHO advises people to take measures to prevent infections and severe disease using all available tools. These include:
Wear a mask when in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, and keep a safe distance from others, as feasible
Improve ventilation
Practise respiratory etiquette – covering coughs and sneezes
Clean your hands regularly
Stay up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza, especially if you are at high risk for severe disease
Stay home if you are sick
Get tested if you have symptoms, or if you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or influenza
For health workers and health facilities, WHO advises:
Universal masking in health facilities, as well as appropriate masking, respirators and other PPE for health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
Improve ventilation in health facilities
“COVID-19 is not the only respiratory disease circulating. Influenza, RSV and common childhood pneumonia are on the rise, WHO added.