China recently detected seven cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting concerns over its potential impact in the country. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration reported the prevalence level of JN.1 as low, but refused to rule out the possibility of it becoming the dominant strain in China, citing factors such as imported cases.
The emergence of JN.1 wasn’t limited to China. Kerala, a southern state in India, reported the detection of the COVID subvariant for the first time on December 13. This raised concerns over the rising number of cases in the region. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) confirmed the presence of the new variant, with some experts suggesting it may be a contributing factor to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India, which currently stands at 938.
JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 Omicron variant, first detected in Luxembourg in August before spreading to other countries, including India. Experts have highlighted the need for ongoing surveillance of the virus and recommended against alarm, but emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely.
The immune-evading capabilities of the JN.1 mutations have raised concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against the variant. Early studies suggest that while the vaccines work against the subvariant, they aren’t producing enough antibodies against JN.1. This has led to discussions among health experts regarding the possible impact of the omicron subvariant on the rising cases in India.
The emergence of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 has sparked new worries about the pandemic in both China and India. With ongoing surveillance and close monitoring, health authorities and experts remain vigilant in understanding the potential impact of this new strain on global efforts to combat COVID-19.
