As JN.1 emerges as variant of interest, time to evaluate preparedness

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context:

The identification of a sub variant — JN.1 — has sparked fresh interest in the epidemiological world, and has sounded the need for caution. The World Health Organisation, has decided, due to its rapid spread, to classify the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86.

About JN.1 Variant

Variant Lineage: JN.1 is a sub-variant of BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, first detected in the United States in September and globally as early as January.
Mutation Characteristics: While JN.1 has only one additional mutation on the spike protein compared to Pirola, its high number of spike protein mutations has drawn attention of researchers.

Possible Consequences of JN.1

Transmission and Severity: Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that JN.1 causes more severe symptoms or spreads faster than other circulating variants.
WHO Assessment: Both Pirola and JN.1 have been effectively neutralized by serum from infected and vaccinated individuals, according to the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition.

Current Concerns and Global Spread

Increasing Cases: A rise in cases caused by Pirola and JN.1 has been observed globally, including in the USA, Europe, Singapore, and China.
WHO Data: JN.1 accounted for a significant proportion of COVID-19 sequences in the GISAID database and a notable percentage of variants in the United States.
Singapore’s Situation: Singapore reported a surge in COVID-19 cases, predominantly JN.1, with increased hospitalizations among older individuals.

Vaccination and Immunity in India

Hospitalization Risk: Data from Singapore indicates higher hospitalization risks for those who received their last COVID-19 vaccine dose over a year ago.
Indian Immunity Levels: Doctors suggests that widespread vaccination and exposure to COVID-19 have likely resulted in substantial immunity in India, reducing the need for updated vaccines.
Consistent Precautions: Experts recommend standard protective measures against respiratory viruses, including masking in crowded and enclosed spaces, staying in well-ventilated areas, and frequent hand washing.