In today’s post, we will look at the latest news doing the rounds i.e. JN-1, a sub-variant of COVID-19. You have read about the pandemic status of COVID-19 in my previous post. Let us look at JN-1 from the transmission and severity point of view.
Introducing JN-1
It is the latest and more infectious sub-variant of COVID-19 having additional symptoms and a higher rate of transmission.
A piece of recent news has shown the prevalence of JN-1 in Canada. It is the highest proportion of COVID-19 variants i.e. nearly 50% of the COVID-19 cases in Canada is due to JN-1. Despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) labeling JN-1 as a variant of interest, it still feels it doesn’t pose a public health risk.
The birth of JN-1
JN-1 is believed to have evolved from BA.2.86 (an omicron variant in Europe). JN-1 made its first appearance in the US in September. One single person was infected with BA.2.86 and the virus continuously replicated and changed inside him for over a year and has now entered the rest of the population to continue its vicious cycle of replicate and change among the hosts. When it started replicating in a population, it became more stronger and successful in the form of JN-1.
What makes it different from the rest?
A single change in a spike protein has resulted in a better attachment of the virus to its host. So, it can transmit well and can even escape your immune system. Because it is very good at transmission, it can escape your immune system. This is why prior vaccination will not always help. Researchers predict it could also birth the evolution of other variants like the XBB.
Symptoms: same as COVID or something new?
Does the difference in spike protein result in different symptoms when compared to COVID?
Common COVID symptoms include fever, runny nose, fatigue, breathlessness, and a loss of smell and taste. A fairly recent trend includes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. However, we are not sure if it is specific to JN-1 or just another COVID symptom.
According to NBC, doctors could identify that the JN-1 symptoms take up a certain order. They exhibit respiratory symptoms like sore throat and congestion first. This is followed by gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. But, either way, it is still milder symptoms compared to COVID-19. Loss of smell and taste (hallmarks of COVID-19) is no longer a symptom of JN-1. This suggests a more clearer and consistent pattern of symptoms in JN-1 compared to COVID-19.
A rather unique symptom of JN-1 seems to be a loss of appetite followed by nausea.
Connection between JN-1 and COVID-19
It is known that JN-1, being a variant of the COVID-19 virus is increasing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, the bright side to this is that most COVID cases are less severe. The decrease in severity can be attributed to factors like vaccines and prior infections. Thanks to vaccinations, nearly 97% of the world’s population has antibodies (natural or vaccine-induced) in their body. This immunity might fade over time, but, does not help reduce the transmission rate. It rather helps reduce the severity.
Who is severely affected?
Despite the reduction in the severity of the disease, it still affects certain groups of patients to the point of hospitalization. They include the older population (above 75 years of age) and pediatrics (under 6 months). Older people have a slightly greater advantage if they do not have an infection in the recent past or have been vaccinated.
The typical lack of oxygen or breathlessness symptoms (another hallmark of COVID-19) is no longer seen in the case of JN-1.
More transmissible means more severe?
A more transmissible (spreads faster) disease does not necessarily mean a more severe (harmful) form of the disease. Likewise, JN-1 is more transmissible, but according to the WHO, it is not severe although it might cause an increase in the rate of infections. It is predicted that this will be especially prevalent in the winter countries.
That’s good news! How did the intensity become less severe?
As many might think, the symptoms have not become mild but rather our immunity has increased.
How can I protect myself against JN-1?
Just like COVID-19, JN-1 spreads through social contact. So social isolation when sick, maintaining a clean respiratory etiquette and wearing a filter mask in public places. In addition to these, most countries have developed antiviral drugs which can be taken. I have recently posted about an antiviral drug in India.
Status of JN-1 globally
Canada
A recent report news Canada reports a steep and sharp increase in the number of cases. It can also be attributed to the fact that it is their mid-respiratory virus season (winters). Also, most people have just returned to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic making this the right time for JN-1 to make an infection.
Nepal
As of 8 Jan 2024, a total of 7 cases among 19 COVID-19 patients were found to be JN-1 positive, confirms the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal. The cases were identified through the gene sequencing procedure. Initially, the patients were screened for COVID-19 with the help of the antigen PCR test. Upon further gene sequencing, 7 cases of JN-1 were identified. Following this, strict protocols are implemented in Nepal to stop the spread of the infection. A similar situation is seen in other Asian countries like China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Pune, India
Among 250 JN-1 cases in Maharashtra (state), 150 of them were specifically from Pune. The rapid testing and genomic sequencing were done in key laboratories including the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), BJ Government Medical College, and the National Institute of Virology. Although it is a dominant strain, the infection isn’t very severe.
Pakistan
A similar situation as Nepal is seen in Pakistan witnessing four cases of JN-1 as of 8th Jan 2024. Close monitoring of the situation in the form of social distancing and masks are in place. In addition, screening systems are implemented at all borders to help prevent the spread of the infection.
Take home message
COVID-19 started as a pandemic bringing the world to a standstill. After COVID-19 was taken off its pandemic status, several strains of sub-strains of the virus with almost similar symptoms made their rounds. A few among them were Omicron, BA.2.86 and JN-1. The evolution of this virus into different strains and sub-strains has made us fear the complexity of the disease. However, be it any strain of COVID, it is always best to follow safety measures like hand washing, safety distancing, and the timely injection of vaccines.
Despite its high rate of transmission, JN-1 does not seem to cause severe symptoms (at least as we know).
So, could JN-1 possibly be a light at the end of the tunnel? What do you think?
Let me know in the comments below.
Interesting read!
Good one!