New Strain of Coronavirus, Origin, Prevention, Latest News For NEET PG
The new strain of coronavirus has been named JN.1. Read on to learn more about this highly transmissible new strain of coronavirus.
Deeksha Dixit29 Feb, 2024
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New Strain of Coronavirus: It wasn’t long before SARS-CoV-2, popularly known as coronavirus shook the world making a permanent space in the medical field. Like every other virus, SARS-CoV-2 that caused COVID-19 continued to mutate giving birth to a new strain of coronavirus.
This is why top organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to focus on tracking and observing emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. As a new strain of coronavirus JN.1 has become a variant of interest (VOIs), NEET PG aspirants must be familiar with the term.New Strains of Coronavirus as per WHO
World Health Organization (WHO) divides new strains of coronavirus into three categories, variants of concern (VOCs), variants of interest (VOIs), and variants under monitoring (VUMs). Based on the characteristics and challenges posed by the new strain of coronavirus, WHO put it into respective categories for better global monitoring, preventive action, and research. Here are the latest variants in the list of new strains of coronavirus based on the official website of WHO:| WHO List: New Strain of Coronavirus | |
| New Strain of Coronavirus | Category |
| Omicron | Variants of Concern (VOCs) |
| JN.1 | Variants of Interest (VOIs) |
| XBB.2.3 | Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) |
All About JN.1: The New Strain of Coronavirus
Among SARS-CoV-2 variants identified by WHO, the JN.1 has been categorized as Variants of Interest (VOIs). JN.1 is a mutated version of SARS-CoV-2 and is more commonly known as the new strain of coronavirus due to its current circulation in the United States. According to an article published by Yale Medicine, the JN.1 accounted for around 83% to 88% of all SARS-CoV-2 variants toward January end. The same article mentions the projection of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a further rise in cases related to this new strain of coronavirus through the winter. The JN.1 strain surfaced around September month in the US and it is a close relative of BA.2.86 (Omicron variant lineage). The main difference between the BA.2.86 variant and the JN.1 variant is that the JN.1 has one mutation in its spike protein. Scientists are currently researching to understand this new strain of coronavirus.New Strain of Coronavirus in India
The new strain of coronavirus, JN.1 was first identified on December 8, 2023, in Karakulam. So far over 2,500 cases of the JN.1 variant and its lineages have been detected in India according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). According to a report by NDTV, some common symptoms that were reported in cases related to JN.1 are:- Runny Nose
- Headaches
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Mild Upper Respiratory
- Extreme Fatigue
- Exhaustion and Muscle Weakness
- Persistent Nausea.
Can JN.1 Cause Severe Health Issues?
While there is barely any evidence to support that JN.1 can lead to severe health issues, it can be more transmissible or have a better defense against our immune system, unlike other variants. This is due to the rapid increase in the cases of JN.1 according to CDS. However, this new strain of coronavirus is still being studied and evidence to support any claim is insufficient. According to the CDC, the rapid evolution of JN.1 is worth noting aspect of this new strain of coronavirus. For instance, since its first documented case in September 2024, COVID-related cases reached over 85% in the U.S. according to the article published by Yale Medicine. One interesting fact is that despite this rise in COVID cases, the trend has not been completely attributed to the JN.1 variant.Preventive Measures from New Strain of Coronavirus
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate people must take preventive measures. Particularly when ‘tripledemic’ i.e. SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV hit simultaneously, it becomes imperative to be ready for the new strain of coronavirus. While vaccination is available, protective efforts are being promoted by experts. These include:- Stay away from an infected person.
- The mask should be kept on while visiting crowded places.
- Frequent hand washing.
- Following government guidelines.
New Strain of Coronavirus FAQs
What is the name of the latest variant of COVID?
The latest dominant variant of COVID is named the JN.1 variant.
How WHO has classified the JN.1 variant?
The JN.1 variant is categorized as a Variant of Interest (VOI) by the WHO.
What are the symptoms of the JN.1 variant?
The symptoms of the JN.1 variant include runny nose, headaches, fever, sore throat, mild upper respiratory issues, extreme fatigue, and exhaustion.
Has the JN.1 variant been detected in India?
Yes, so far over 2,500 cases of the JN.1 variant and its lineages have been detected in India.
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