Rapid Fire
WHO Designates JN.1 as Variant of Interest as Covid-19 Cases Rise
- 20 Dec 2023
- 1 min read
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19 as a "variant of interest" distinct from its parent lineage, BA.2.86, commonly known as Pirola. Once classified as such, the WHO closely monitors its global dissemination, evaluates its health risks, and facilitates international data sharing.
- Despite the rapid increase in its spread, the WHO clarified that there's currently no evidence suggesting an elevated public health risk posed by this variant.
- However, concerns arise with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, potentially burdening healthcare systems with increased respiratory infections.
- Notably, India has reported several cases of JN.1, with other countries worldwide, such as the US, Singapore, and China, also confirming its presence.
