As the world continues to grapple with the impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, a new sub-variant known as JN.1 has been identified as the leading cause of a surge in hospitalisations in Australia, particularly in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. The rise in cases has prompted health authorities to urge at-risk individuals to prepare for potential impacts and implement necessary plans.
Recent data released by Victorian authorities revealed a significant increase in hospitalisations caused by the JN.1 sub-variant in the state. This trend has been mirrored in New South Wales, where the spread of the sub-variant has been increasingly observed. The World Health Organisation has classified JN.1 as a “variant of interest” due to its rapid global spread.
Dr. Clare Looker, Victoria’s chief health officer, described the situation as a “wave-on-wave” pattern, indicating the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant coinciding with the state’s recovery from a prior COVID-19 wave.
The seven-day average for hospitalisations in Victoria has surged to 377, reflecting the impact of the JN.1 sub-variant. Despite the high number of cases observed in recent months, the current figures have not reached the peak levels recorded during the previous waves in May and June of the previous year, which saw a seven-day average of 488 hospitalisations.
The situation in Perth also reflects the global impact of the JN.1 sub-variant, with the latest wastewater sampling data indicating that the variant has become the dominant strain in the region. On Christmas Eve, JN.1 accounted for 44% of the virus detected in wastewater samples, signaling its prevalence in the community.
As the impact of the JN.1 sub-variant continues to unfold, health authorities and at-risk individuals are being urged to remain vigilant and proactive in responding to the evolving situation. The rise in hospitalisations underscores the need for enhanced preparedness and planning to mitigate the impact of the sub-variant on public health.
The emergence of JN.1 as a dominant strain in Australia highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the evolving nature of the pandemic. It also underscores the critical importance of continued vigilance, adherence to public health guidelines, and responsive measures to address the shifting dynamics of the COVID-19 virus.
