WHO flags JN.1 as Covid-19 variant of interest

Thailand is monitoring the new Covid-19 subvariant JN.1, known for its enhanced ability to evade immunity even though its symptoms remain indistinguishable from those associated with earlier subvariants, reported Thai News Agency (TNA).

The head of the Centre For Medical Genomics at Ramathibodi Hospital, Emeritus Professor Wasan Jantarathit said the spread of the variant with cases reported in several countries, including Europe, Singapore, and the United States, has a potential trend in Thailand as well.

Wasan said the World Health Organization (WHO) will initiate the production of a new vaccine to prevent infection from emerging variants more effectively.

Meanwhile, the WHO has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest but not a cause for significant concern compared to the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants.

In Thailand, there have been three cases of JN.1 infection identified. Although the variant may not be severe, there is still concern as it can spread rapidly, requiring the nation’s healthcare system to be prepared.

Furthermore, the variant has been detected in wastewater in various countries, suggesting the possibility of the virus moving from the lungs to the gastrointestinal system, leading to the presence of the virus in sewage.

Close monitoring of the variant is necessary as there may be fluctuations in its spread towards the end of the month or the emergence of new variants originating from JN.1. The wearing of masks in crowded areas at all times is recommended.

The majority of the people in Thailand are still receiving bivalent vaccines, which may not prevent infection but can reduce the severity of the disease.

- Bernama