The World Health Organization has classified it as a variant of interest due to its rapid spread. This variant, "JN.1," is impacting the world, particularly the United States and Europe, at a time marked by uncertainty. In the latest developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the "JN.1" variant of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, accounts for approximately 62% of the disease cases in the United States.
The CDC added that "JN.1" is now the most prevalent strain in the United States, Europe, and globally, with sharply rising infection rates observed in Asia. The CDC noted that there is currently no evidence indicating that this variant causes more severe symptoms, and current vaccines are expected to provide protection against it.
The agency reported a 20.4% increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the last week of 2023. The World Health Organization has categorized "JN.1" as a "variant of interest," stating that current evidence shows that the health risks posed by this variant are low. Symptoms associated with the new variant include cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and headaches. The variant is also characterized by an ability to bypass the immune system more effectively compared to other variants.
