Here’s everything you need to know about the new coronavirus JN.1 variant

1. What is the JN.1 variant?

JN.1 is the second-generation sub-branch of the novel coronavirus Omicron BA.2.86 variant, and is also a sub-branch with a stronger transmission advantage among the BA.2.86 variants. The variant was first detected in samples collected in Luxembourg on August 25 this year. Since November, due to the rapid increase in the proportion of JN.1 in the global prevalent strains, the World Health Organization upgraded the BA.2.86 variant from a "variant to be monitored" (VUM) to a "variant of concern" (VOI) on November 21.

2. What is the prevalence of the JN.1 variant internationally?

Since November this year, the proportion of JN.1 variants in the global prevalent strains has increased rapidly, from about 4% in early November to about 30% in early December. As of December 10, at least 40 countries and regions around the world have detected JN.1 variants. In terms of distribution, Europe has the highest proportion, and the proportion of JN.1 variants in the Americas and other continents is also showing a rapid growth trend.

3. Has the JN.1 variant begun to spread in our country?

The main epidemic strains in my country at this stage are still EG.5 and its sub-branches. Since the first local JN.1 variant was discovered in November, as of December 10, a total of 7 JN.1 variants have been detected in local cases in my country. Although the current prevalence of JN.1 variants in my country is extremely low, it cannot be ruled out that JN.1 variants may become the dominant domestic strains due to the influence of international epidemic strains and imported cases.

4. Does the JN.1 variant spread faster?

Judging from the epidemic situation in various countries, the JN.1 variant has grown rapidly in many countries recently, but studies have shown that there is no obvious difference between JN.1 and XBB variants in terms of transmission. The World Health Organization report shows that the new coronavirus vaccine containing XBB.1.5 components is still effective against the JN.1 variant. Therefore, under the premise that the population is widely immune to the Omicron variant (including vaccination and natural infection), the transmission ability of the JN.1 variant may be relatively limited.

5. Will the symptoms become more severe after infection with the JN.1 variant?

The World Health Organization has evaluated the risk of severe clinical infection of BA.2.86 variants, including JN.1, as low. U.S. monitoring data show that the proportion of JN.1 variants in new coronavirus infection cases in the United States has increased recently, and no increase in the severity of the disease has been found after infection with the JN.1 variant. my country's monitoring data show that those infected with the JN.1 variant are all mild or asymptomatic. The symptoms caused by different variants are often similar, and the type and severity of symptoms usually depend more on individual immunity. Based on the existing evidence, the public health risk of the JN.1 variant is low.

6. How to prevent and control the JN.1 variant?

Just like preventing infection with other Omicron variants, the public is advised to continue to maintain good personal hygiene habits, wear masks scientifically, get vaccinated in a timely manner, maintain a regular schedule, ensure a healthy diet, and improve the body's immunity.

Source: National Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Review | Hao Junshi

Editor | Wu Jin

Proofreading | Meng Xu