COVID-19 mutant JN. 1 is coming! Emphasize wearing a mask

Recently, a COVID-19 mutant named JN. 1 is spreading rapidly around the world and has been found in 12 countries. According to British and American health agencies, the mutant is the fastest growing COVID-19 mutant known at present, which is expected to trigger a new wave of COVID-19 infection.

The fastest spreading COVID-19 mutant comes

On December 8, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the first time included JN.1 in the COVID-19 Approach Forecast (SARS-CoV-2 Nowcast), saying that JN.1 is the fastest growing COVID-19 variant in the United States. As of that day, the CDC estimated that the JN

.1 variant accounted for approximately 15% to 29% of the prevalent variants in the United States. However, in the estimate on November 27th, its proportion was still less than 1%, and as of the end of October, its proportion was less than 0.1%.

The CDC stated that it is "still understanding" JN.1 and is investigating how it carries mutations to avoid

 being detected by the immune system.

Except for the United States, JN.1 variants have been found in a total of 12 countries. The monitoring data of COVID-19 epidemic in European countries also showed that the infection of JN. 1 mutant strain gradually occupied the leading position and showed an upward trend. As of mid November, several European countries such as Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, and France have experienced exponential growth, especially in Denmark, where the variant virus infection has already covered 50% of the population. The UK also claims that the weekly growth rate of JN.1 is expected to be 84.2%, with a much faster spread rate than other known variants.

With the spread of the JN. 1 variant, British and American health agencies claimed that it has become the fastest growing COVID-19 variant known at present, which is expected to trigger a new wave of COVID-19 infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently monitoring this variant, but it has not yet been designated as a variant of concern (VOC).

What is the origin of JN.1?

JN.1 belongs to a sub variant of the Omicron family and was first discovered in Luxembourg in August this year. Afterwards, it was discovered in 12 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. This variant was first detected in the United States in September of this year and was first detected in the United Kingdom in October of this year.

JN.1 is considered to be a descendant lineage of the Omicron variant BA. 286. However, BA. 286 itself is extremely contagious and has previously caused warnings from scientists from multiple countries.

According to the CDC, JN.1 and BA.2.86 are closely related, and there is only one change in the spike protein between the two.

Since August this year, scientists have been closely monitoring the situation of BA. 286. Scientists point out that unlike previous variants, the number of mutations in BA. 286 has set a record. Compared to the dominant Omicron BA. 2 at the beginning of 2022, BA. 286 has undergone over 30 mutations, which means it may be easier to evade current vaccine and antibody protection, and the upcoming booster shots may also have limited protective capabilities.

"JN.1 is a child of Pirola (i.e. BA. 286)," said Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan, Research Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State University. "Due to the mutation, the BA. 286 variant and its descendants are a concern.".

Will it exacerbate health risks?

The CDC believes that the sustained growth of JN.1 indicates that it is either more infectious or better able to evade the human immune system. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest an increase in the severity of JN.1's illness, nor is there any evidence to suggest that JN.1 poses an increased risk to public health compared to other currently prevalent variants.

However, Professor Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist at the University of Manchester, believes that spike protein mutation means that after infection with JN.1, patients may take longer to recover, or may lead to more serious diseases.

Professor Azeem Majeed, head of the primary healthcare and public health department at Imperial College London, stated that the symptoms of infection with the JN.1 virus "may be similar to those of infection with other mutated viruses.".

This means that the symptoms of JN.1 infection may include fever, runny nose, headache, loss of smell, diarrhea, etc. Doctors remind that although most infected individuals can self heal, if symptoms worsen, timely medical attention is still necessary.

Experts say that around New Year's Day

There may be a wave of COVID-19 infection peak

At present, there is a new round of COVID-19 infection in many places around the world. The data of the past seven days in the United States as of December 2, 2023 shows that the number of COVID-19 positive tests and the number of hospitalizations increased by 11.5% and 17.6% respectively, and the number of deaths increased by 25%. A large number of infants, young children, and elderly people have been sent to the emergency department.

The same situation also occurs in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

On December 11 local time, two deaths of COVID-19 were reported in Jakarta, Indonesia. Thailand reported three deaths a few days ago. The Singapore Ministry of Health is closely monitoring infection trends to ensure that the healthcare system can respond.

Monitoring data from Europe and the United States showed that the current round of COVID-19 infection tide might be related to the prevalence of Omicron variant JN. 1.

Doctors from infectious diseases departments in Anhui, Shanghai and other places said that the number of COVID-19 infections in China is increasing. Perhaps due to reasons such as medical awareness and the number of tests, the outpatient experience is not very obvious. Multiple regions predict that this peak of infection may continue until mid to late January 2024. A pediatric infection expert prayed that the weather should not be too cold. "If multiple pathogens coexist, the combined severe illness and mortality rate will soar."

Multiple disease control reminders: Wearing a mask is essential

Recently, multiple regions have issued influenza epidemic warnings, emphasizing the wearing of masks. There is a risk of interaction or co outbreak of respiratory infectious diseases in China this winter and next spring. Official: @ Everyone, masks should be worn in these situations!

Suggested situations or scenarios for wearing masks:

During the period of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, when taking public transportation such as airplanes, trains, long-distance buses, ships, subways, buses, etc.

During the high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, when entering enclosed and densely populated places such as supermarkets, cinemas, passenger stations, and box elevators.

During the period of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, elderly people, patients with chronic underlying diseases, pregnant women, etc. go to indoor public places.

During the period of studying, living, or working together with individuals experiencing symptoms of respiratory infectious diseases.

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