2023-12-29 16:01:42
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The World Health Organization has classified a sub-mutant of the Omicron strain of the Coronavirus as a “mutant of concern,” due to its “rapidly increasing spread.”
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JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, Britain and the United States.
The World Health Organization said the risk to people is currently low, and current vaccines provide protection.
But she warned that Covid and other infections could rise this winter.
Respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are on the rise in the Northern Hemisphere.
The virus that causes Covid is constantly mutating over time, sometimes leading to the emergence of new variants.
The Amicron strain remained the dominant variant globally for some time.
The World Health Organization is currently tracking a number of variants of concern associated with Micron, including JN1, although none are considered to be of concern.
But JN1 is spreading rapidly in many parts of the world.
It is currently the fastest-growing type in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections.
The National Health Service Administration in Britain says that JN1 currently makes up about 7% of positive Covid tests analyzed in the laboratory.
It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this virus and other strains.
Increased spread in winter
JN1 spreads rapidly throughout all regions, possibly because it contains an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it descended.
“This variant is expected to cause an increase in SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) infections amid a surge in other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season,” the WHO risk assessment said.
The World Health Organization said there is limited evidence about the extent to which JN1 can overcome the immunity provided by vaccines.
There are no reports of people being infected with this variant more than previous variants.
But the World Health Organization says more studies are needed to find out the health impact, as the number of countries reporting data on people hospitalized with Covid has fallen dramatically.
To prevent infection and severe disease, the World Health Organization advises the following:
- Wear a mask in crowded and closed areas
- Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Clean hands regularly
- To be up to date on vaccinations against coronavirus and influenza, especially if we are among the groups most at risk
- Stay home if you are sick
- Conduct the necessary tests if symptoms are present
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