Title: Fastest-Growing COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Sparks Global Concerns
In recent developments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the United States, becoming responsible for approximately 20% of new infections. Derived from the Pirola subvariant, which gained attention due to significant spike protein mutations, JN.1 has gained momentum as the fastest-growing strain of the virus.
Initial concerns regarding the Pirola subvariant evading vaccine and antibody protection did not come to fruition. However, the slow-growing BA.2.86 subvariant persisted in some countries, including the US. JN.1, a grandchild subvariant of BA.2.86, exhibits only a single change to its spike protein compared to its ancestor but appears to be a more robust and transmissible virus.
Between late November and mid-December, the prevalence of JN.1 in the US more than doubled, potentially driven by holiday travel and waning immunity. Variant trackers speculate that JN.1 could become the dominant variant globally within a matter of weeks.
Researchers have discovered that the mutation in JN.1’s spike protein may enable the virus to escape immunity, with studies indicating a two-fold decrease in neutralization by antibodies. The exponential growth of JN.1 in European countries, Australia, Asia, and Canada has led to rising hospitalizations, raising concerns about the virus’s impact.
One contributing factor to JN.1’s spread in the US is waning immunity, partly due to a low proportion of adults receiving the latest COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC urges doctors to prioritize vaccination efforts to combat the rising hospitalization rates associated with JN.1. Fortunately, a study conducted by Columbia University shows that the current COVID-19 vaccine offers substantial protection against JN.1 and its related subvariants.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of upgraded COVID-19 vaccines to safeguard against a variety of variants. Dr. Alex Greninger from the University of Washington expresses concern about the declining uptake of boosters and antivirals, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available tools to combat COVID-19 effectively.
The rise of JN.1 serves as a reminder to remain vigilant in the face of evolving COVID-19 variants. It underlines the critical role vaccination plays in curbing the virus’s spread and reducing severe illness and hospitalizations. As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, staying informed and taking proactive measures remain crucial in protecting public health.
