Over the last four weeks, the WHO revealed that almost 850 000 new cases of COVID-19 were reported, which represents a 52% increase in new cases. More than 3,000 new deaths were reported, which is 8% fewer than the 28-day period prior, according to a recent press release from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The variation JN.1 is rapidly spreading, leading the WHO to classify it as a different variety of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. Previously, it was identified as VOI and was part of the BA.2.86 sublineages.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends using all available resources to avoid infections and serious disease. They include covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining a safe distance from people, wearing masks in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, washing your hands frequently, and getting tested if you have any symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or influenza.
The increased worldwide public health risk presented by JN.1 is currently deemed to be modest based on the evidence currently available. Nevertheless, JN.1 may contribute to a rise in respiratory illnesses in several nations as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.
It highlighted that JN.1 and other circulating forms of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to protect against serious illness and death from current vaccinations. Not all respiratory illnesses are as common as COVID-19. There has also been an increase in RSV, influenza, and common childhood pneumonia.
