News Excerpt:
A new coronavirus variant named JN.1 has been detected, causing concerns among doctors, experts, authorities, and the public alike.
About the JN.1 variant of COVID:
- This variant is considered to be the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 or Pirola.
- Pirola and JN.1 are considered to be Variants of Interest.
- They have not been designated as Variants of Concern.
- JN.1 contains only one additional mutation on the spike protein as compared with Pirola, Pirola contains more than 30 mutations on the spike protein.
- Mutations (change in DNA sequence of an organism) on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) matter because they are the ones that attach to receptors on a human cell and allow the virus to enter it.
- Mutations in the spike protein increases its infectivity and ability to evade immune responses.
- Symptoms associated with JN.1 include - fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
- The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that there is no evidence to suggest that JN.1 poses a greater risk compared to other circulating variants.
Conclusion:
Although further research is needed to properly understand its behaviour, preliminary findings indicate that it may not be more severe than earlier variations of Covid. Still, alertness is essential. There is a need to follow preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks and maintaining social distance to curb the spread of the infection.
