In recent weeks, the latest variant of the Sars-CoV-2 family, the JN.1, has been making headlines. This latest iteration of the Omicron strain has been classified as a “Variant of Interest” (VOI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its rapid worldwide proliferation.
According to relevant studies, JN.1 is more contagious compared to other circulating variations, but it is unlikely to approach the levels recorded during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. The number of individuals testing positive for the JN.1 is growing, although the scenario is not incapacitating hospitals at this point.
Experts have expressed concern that it might supersede any preexisting immunity which might have existed from prior COVID vaccinations or from earlier infection.
Cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and altered sense of smell are typical symptoms of COVID-19 variations.
JN.1 was first reported in the United States and has since spread to India, China, the United Kingdom, and various other nations, but has not yet emerged in Morocco.
Morocco’s Minister of Health, Khalid Ait Taleb, addressed concerns during a House of Advisors session, underlining that the WHO has not definitively confirmed the severity and morbidity of JN.1.
Ait Taleb advised the public not to be worried, adding that the Ministry of Health will monitor the situation. He provided reassurances that currently there are no reported JN.1 cases in Morocco.
He added that, based on available data, the increased risk of JN.1 is currently regarded as modest, and that existing vaccines remain effective against severe illnesses and morbidity associated with JN.1 and other circulating variations.
Tayeb Hamdi, a medical researcher in health policy and systems, highlighted the characteristics of JN.1 in various press statements.
According to him, JN.1 is classified as a full-fledged variant rather than a sub-variant of BA.2.86, because it appears to have acquired–through its multiple mutations–the capacity for immune escape from antibodies to previous Omicron infections or vaccination, as well as being much more contagious.
While JN.1 is highly contagious, it lacks heightened virulence, posing barely any harm to social life, according to Hamdi; however, he warned about the potential “Tripledemic” risk in the forthcoming cold season, advising diligence–particularly for vulnerable groups with compromised immune systems–and for the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women.
Hamdi went on to answer queries relating to symptoms, severity, and vaccination. He asserted that JN.1 causes symptoms similar to those caused by other Omicron variations but it is not inherently more pathogenic, based on current information.
Vaccination, Hamdi stressed, remains effective against severe outcomes, even with JN.1’s immune escape.
Hamdi outlined protective measures, including vaccination, antiviral drugs, the use of masks, hand hygiene, and proper ventilation, to mitigate the impact of JN.1 and other winter infections.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), JN.1 accounts for 39% to 50% of total COVID cases in the United States as of December 23.
China, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Canada, Sweden, are among the nations where the virus is spreading, reported CDC.
India has been witnessing an upward trend of COVID-19 cases in multiple cities. The number of active cases surged to 4,054 patients with more than 60 identified as JN.1.