Latest news with #BA.2.86
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus spreading across several countries, including the U.S.? Is it a descendant of Omicron, and how deadly is it?
A subvariant of the coronavirus , JN.1, is currently spreading in many countries, including the United States, and has raised concerns among health authorities, as per reports. JN.1 is a variant of the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage, a virus variant that was first discovered in August 2023, as per Mint. How is JN.1 Different from BA.2.86? According to the report, Johns Hopkins Medicine has pointed out that this variant 'has acquired the ability to transmit efficiently through an additional one or two mutations." Johns Hopkins Medicine also found that JN.1 contains about 30 mutations to evade the immunity, which was higher than any other variant circulating at that time, as per Mint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo ALSO READ: King Charles' net worth: How wealthy the King of the UK is as he becomes richer than his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ever was Does JN.1 Spread More Easily? However, the BA.2.86 variant of coronavirus has not dominated among the group of SARS-CoV-2 variants that were spread in the air in 2023, according to Mint. Even with the immune evasion of its parent, JN.1 now mutated to transmit and has spread more efficiently, reported Mint. Live Events Yale Medicine highlighted that, 'A difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is that the latter has one mutation in its spike protein, a single change that may or may not alter any of the traits that characterise the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion,' according to the report. ALSO READ: Will Prince Harry be left out in the California wilderness? Three royals are reportedly blocking cancer-stricken King Charles from meeting his younger son What Symptoms Does JN.1 Cause? JN.1's symptoms are similar to other variants of coronavirus, like dry cough, loss of taste or smell, headache, runny or clogged nose, exhaustion, sore throat, and fever among others, as per Mint. While, Johns Hopkins, discovered that there are chances that JN.1 may be causing more diarrhoea than the other variants, and other symptoms might include fatigue and exhaustion, as per the report. FAQs When was JN.1 first detected? It was first identified in August 2023, as per Mint. What makes JN.1 different from previous variants? It has about 30 mutations that may help it escape immune responses and a key spike protein mutation that could enhance this ability.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Covid-19 cases rising in India: Is waning vaccine immunity a concern?
Following a spike in Covid-19 in Southeast Asia, India has also seen fresh cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with most cases being reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, most of the cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality. 'So far cases have been sporadic. The JN.1 sub-variant of the virus, which is believed to be a part of the surge in Asia, is already present in India. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But it has so far not differed much from the symptoms associated with Omicron,' says Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. What is JN.1 all about? JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant. The virus has had around 30 mutations. That does not mean it is becoming more dangerous but it is looking for ways to evade our immune systems. The changes are in the surface receptors, the spike protein (the part of the virus that enters our cells). These trick the immune system, making the virus more easily transmissible. Do we need to worry because the immunity acquired from vaccination is waning and we do not have a vaccine that factors in JN.1? More than vaccination, we went through the Omicron wave not too long ago. This can still trigger both memory T cells and memory B cells, which upon encountering the virus or its similar variant again, can fight it and limit disease severity. Memory T cells can recognize multiple parts of the virus, including those in the Omicron variant, according to a study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Memory B cells produce antibodies that can neutralize the Omicron variant. Are there distinctive signs and symptoms? No, what we are seeing are sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Some may have nausea, some conjunctivitis like in earlier waves. Just rest, hydrating yourself, self-isolation and antivirals should help you settle down. Can JN.1 lead to complications? There are chances in those living with co-morbidities or the immuno-compromised. People with uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HIV and transplant patients need to be cautious. The elderly, pregnant women and children are vulnerable to it. Do we need another round of vaccinations? No. The older vaccines were developed for ancestral strains only. Besides they were made from a weakened or inactivated virus. Now you need mRNA vaccines, like Gemcovac-19, which use lab-made mRNA to create a protein, or a piece of it, to trigger an immune response. Unfortunately, this vaccine is not readily available. The new vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, compared to other mRNA vaccines that require sub-zero temperatures. The mRNA technology works best for preventive vaccines because they can be tweaked for emerging variants. For other preventive measures, go back to the drill. Wear a mask in crowded and polluted places, practise hand hygiene and stay away from close contact with the infected.
News18
20-05-2025
- Health
- News18
JN.1 Covid Variant: 5 Things You Should Know About New Cases; Is India Next? Explained
Last Updated: New Covid Cases Today: With massive population & waning immunity, India needs to cautious before viral resurgence takes place. India may need to reassess its vaccination strategy JN.1 Variant Covid Cases Today: A fresh surge in Covid cases is seen across Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, and health experts are sounding the alarm for Indians to take precautions. With massive population and waning immunity, India should be extra cautious before another viral resurgence takes place. Currently, India has logged 257 active Covid cases from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Officials have urged people to maintain calm as everything is 'under control". Here are the five things you should know about the fresh Covid cases. JN.1 Variant: Most of the cases found in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand are spreading due to the Omicron variant JN.1 and its related descendants. The JN.1 strain, first found in August 2023 and designated by the World Health Organisation as a 'variant of' interest' with around 30 mutations, is causing the new wave. This variant contains roughly 30 mutations intended to evade immunity, more than any other variant available at the time. However, BA.2.86 did not emerge as the dominant strain among the SARS-CoV-2 variants that were circulating in the late summer and early fall of 2023. Transmissibility & Severity: According to Johns Hopkins University, the JN.1 has evolved the ability to transmit more efficiently by one or two additional mutations. While it retains the immune evasion features of its parent, the JN.1 has now mutated to spread more effectively. Yale Medicine says the JN.1 strain is a close relative of BA.2.86 (informally referred to as 'Pirola'), a lineage of the Omicron variant. 'A difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is that the latter has one mutation in its spike protein, a single change that may or may not alter any of the traits that characterise the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion," it added. Covid Wave In Asia: More than 14,000 Covid cases were reported in Singapore early May, with daily hospitalisations rising by around 30%. The dominant variants are 'LF.7' and 'NB.1.8', both part of the JN.1 family. In Thailand, Covid cases jumped after the Songkran festival in April. The country reported two major cluster outbreaks, but officials have not yet imposed any movement curbs. Hong Kong has reported 81 infections and 30 deaths, mostly among older adults. Meanwhile, cases have doubled in recent weeks in China and are approaching last summer's peak levels, as per China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Though the Indian government has not issued any formal advisory or ban from the affected countries, travellers should evaluate their own health risks and monitor updates before deciding. Is India Next? Health experts clarify that JN.1 is already present in India. But the subvariants detected here may differ slightly from those in countries like Hong Kong and China. While JN.1 may not cause serious illness in most cases, its high transmissibility means that if it begins to spread widely, it could lead to a sharp increase in cases, which could put additional pressure on healthcare systems in India. Indian experts stress that testing and, more importantly, genomic surveillance are critical to identify which variants are currently circulating. Thus, experts warn that India may need to reassess its vaccination strategy, particularly booster shots among high-risk groups. Doctors stress that health measures such as masking, hand hygiene and physical distancing should be followed. First Published:
India Today
19-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
COVID-19 resurgence in Asia: What you need to know about the JN.1 variant
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, with the emergence of new variants posing fresh challenges to global health. One such variant, JN.1, has recently been identified and is contributing to a resurgence of cases in various regions, particularly in the characteristics of JN.1, its impact, and the recommended precautions is crucial in navigating this phase of the AND SPREADThe JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 strain, was first detected in the United States in September 2023. Since then, it has been reported in multiple countries, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Ministry of Health reported a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, with the majority attributed to the JN.1 variant. The estimated number of cases rose to 56,043 between December 3 and 9, marking a 75 per cent increase compared to the previous India, the first case of JN.1 was reported in Kerala. As of January 18, 2024, a total of 1,226 cases have been detected across 17 states and Union Territories. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, with 234 and 189 cases World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a 'variant of interest' due to its rapidly increasing spread. However, current evidence suggests that JN.1 does not pose a higher global public health risk compared to other circulating symptoms associated with JN.1 are similar to those of previous COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, fatigue, and sore throat. There is no indication that JN.1 causes more severe ON HEALTHCARE SYSTEMThe surge in JN.1 cases has led to increased hospitalisations in affected regions. In Singapore, average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 225 to 350, with intensive care unit cases increasing from four to nine during the same the rise in cases, the majority of patients have experienced mild symptoms, with many opting for home isolation. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to manage healthcare resources authorities recommend the following measures to mitigate the spread of JN.1:Vaccination: Stay updated with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses, to enhance protection against emerging Wear masks in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, especially when visiting vulnerable practices: Maintain regular handwashing and use hand sanitisers to reduce the risk of responsibility: Individuals experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory infection should stay at home and avoid contact with others to prevent the emergence of the JN.1 variant has led to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in certain regions, current data does not indicate an increased severity compared to previous adherence to public health guidelines and preventive measures remains essential in managing the impact of JN.1 and safeguarding public Watch
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is India Next? COVID Cases Explode Across Asia — Experts Warn of a Looming Surge at Home
New Delhi: As a fresh COVID-19 wave grips parts of Asia — from Singapore and Hong Kong to Thailand — health experts are sounding the alarm: Could India be the next hotspot? With a massive population and waning immunity from past vaccinations, India may be on the brink of another viral resurgence. The highly infectious JN.1 variant, though not deadlier, is spreading rapidly across borders — and the warning signs are eerily familiar. According to leading doctors, India could indeed witness a similar wave, driven by decreased immunity in the population. 'The recent surge in countries like Hong Kong and China is being linked to waning antibodies, and the same could hold true for India,' explains Dr. Vikas Maurya , Senior Director and Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. 'With a significant amount of time having passed since most people received their COVID vaccinations, lower antibody levels may increase susceptibility to infection and its transmission within communities.' He further warns, 'It is possible that India might see a similar spike. In China, the rise in cases is attributed to decreased antibodies or immunity over time — the same could happen here. Many people in India were vaccinated a long time ago. If their immunity has dropped, more individuals could catch and spread the infection.' Noting that the JN.1 variant isn't significantly different from previous strains, its timing and spread are unusual, Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja , Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare , said, 'What is disturbing is that this wave is increasingly affecting populations in Southeast Asia during the summer months — a time when respiratory viruses typically don't peak,' he says. Though JN.1, a subvariant of Omicron, does not usually cause severe illness, it is highly infectious and can spread rapidly across communities. The symptoms, he adds, remain similar to earlier variants, with no unique or alarming clinical differences so far. Elucidating about the key differences between the JN.1 variant and the variants currently circulating in India — should we be concerned about its transmissibility or severity? Health experts clarify that JN.1 is already present in India, although the subvariants detected here may differ slightly from those currently driving the surge in countries like Hong Kong and China. JN.1 is a mutated coronavirus strain descending from the Omicron lineage, specifically a direct descendant of BA.2.86, also known as Pirola . "The variant has quickly gained dominance in several parts of the world, including the United States and now China, and has been officially classified as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This classification stems from its high risk of rapid growth, owing to its ability to multiply swiftly, and a moderate risk of antibody escape, which means it can somewhat evade existing immune defenses," Dr. Maurya said. However, the reassuring aspect is that JN.1 has so far been associated with only mild to moderate symptoms, and the risk of severe disease remains low. 'We are primarily seeing mild forms of illness — not many cases of severe complications,' the expert noted. That said, Dr. Maurya informed that India should remain vigilant. While JN.1 may not cause serious illness in most cases, its high transmissibility means that if it begins to spread widely, it could lead to a sharp increase in cases, placing additional pressure on healthcare systems even if hospitalizations remain low. As the world debates the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, Indian experts stress that testing and, more importantly, genomic surveillance are critical to identify which variants are currently circulating. "COVID-19," they emphasize, "has never truly disappeared — it has lingered in an endemic form, occasionally causing local or regional outbreaks. The current uptick in cases abroad is not necessarily due to a more dangerous strain but is likely the result of waning immunity across the population, particularly since regular vaccinations have slowed. As immunity diminishes over time, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with comorbidities, the virus finds an opportunity to spread," Budhiraja cautions. In light of these developments, India may need to reassess its vaccination strategy — particularly booster doses for high-risk groups. While current vaccines were designed for earlier strains, they still offer critical protection against severe outcomes. Globally, booster shots have been shown to reduce transmission and limit the severity of illness. Both doctors emphasise that public health measures — such as masking, hand hygiene, and physical distancing — remain effective and should be reinforced if infections rise. Large-scale lockdowns are unlikely, but local interventions may be required in the event of localized outbreaks. "Crucially, India's genomic surveillance capabilities are robust, with laboratories in cities like Delhi and Pune actively monitoring viral mutations. This infrastructure is pivotal in identifying and responding to new variants," Dr. Maurya added. Experts also stress the importance of learning from other countries' experiences. Hong Kong's management of vaccination strategy, public health communication, and healthcare capacity can offer valuable lessons for India's preparedness. With international travel acting as a conduit for virus transmission, enhanced screening — and, if necessary, quarantine — for travelers from high-risk regions is recommended to prevent the import of more infectious or potentially severe variants. Treatment protocols for JN.1 remain consistent with earlier strains and primarily focus on symptomatic relief. Severe cases, though rare, may require antivirals or anti-inflammatory medications. Research is ongoing to assess how well existing vaccines and treatments hold up against the variant, but current medical consensus remains cautiously optimistic.
