Back to the mask.. World Health warns of the new Corona variant JN.1

2023-12-21 2023-12-21T10:51:51Z

ArabiaWeather - In a worrying development, the World Health Organization has issued a new warning regarding the new mutant of the Corona virus, JN.1 , which has witnessed a rapid spread in several countries, and the new classification indicates that this mutant is considered “of interest,” which highlights the renewed health challenges. Associated with the evolution of the virus.

The JN.1 mutant was distinguished from the parent strain BA.2.86 , and its classification was determined as an independent entity. This warning comes in light of growing fears of a recurrence of Covid-19 pandemic scenarios, which reinforces the World Health Organization’s calls for citizens to take strict preventive measures, including wearing masks. Due to the high rate of infection and the rapid spread of the virus, the need to take all possible measures to prevent serious diseases and maintain the safety of the individual and society is stressed.

WHO assessment of the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus

Based on the current assessment of available evidence, the World Health Organization has assessed the risks of the JN.1 variant and found them to be low. However, the organization notes that the arrival of winter may increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries.

The organization emphasizes its continued follow-up of the evidence and data related to the JN.1 variant , with its commitment to updating the risk classification as needed, and indicates that current vaccines are still effective in providing protection against serious infections and death resulting from all variants of the Covid-19 virus , including JN. 1.

The organization provided advice for prevention, including wearing masks in crowded or closed areas, practicing respiratory etiquette and covering the face, washing hands regularly, and receiving the influenza vaccine. It also advised staying at home if sick and taking testing measures when symptoms of the disease appear or exposure to positive cases.

In the context of the rise in Covid-19 cases, many countries are taking precautionary measures, especially in India, which is highly dominated by the JN.1 variant. The importance of adhering to health measures is stressed to address the renewed health challenges associated with the virus. JN.1 is a relatively new variant, and monitoring is underway. To understand its impact and spread.

The JN.1 mutant of the Coronavirus...genetic mutations that make it more transmissible and immune evasive

Experts point out that the new JN.1 mutant of the Coronavirus carries genetic mutations that may make it more transmissible. This mutant has a single change in its spike protein compared to previous strains. However, it appears that this change was sufficient to make it a more effective and rapid virus, in addition to its ability to... To evade the immune system.

Dr. T. Ryan Gregory, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Guelph, expected that the JN.1 variant would become the leading variant of the Coronavirus globally in the next few weeks, and confirmed that it is already appearing strongly competitive with current strains, and it appears that it is on its way to being the next type of variant. Dominant on a global level and added:

“The mutation at a specific site in the new coronavirus JN.1 variant appears to enhance its ability to evade the immune system.”

This analysis is based on his study of genetic changes and the characteristics of the new mutant, which highlights the importance of understanding the effects of these changes on the behavior of the virus and how it interacts with the human immune system.