Explained: What Is JN.1 Variant Of COVID-19? New Omicron Strain Spreading Rapidly In Singapore, Hong Kong, India
The virus is gradually resurfacing in Asia, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong, which have seen a surge in cases. In Mumbai, two COVID-related deaths were reported last week, both involving patients with preexisting health issues. Although the government considers the disease endemic and not an immediate threat, concerns about a new variant persist. This recent spike is attributed to two fast-spreading subvariants: OF.7 and NB.1.8, which are descendants of the JN.1 lineage, associated with the Omicron strain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised JN.1 as a "variant of interest" due to its rapid spread, though it has not reached the status of a "variant of concern." These subvariants are under global observation. The rise in cases correlates to their increased transmissibility and the waning immunity among the population, as preexisting immunity from past infections reduces over time. India has currently recorded 266 active COVID-19 cases.
Singapore noted a 28% rise in infections by early May 2025, while Hong Kong's COVID test positivity rate climbed from 6.21% to 13.66% in a month. Factors such as reduced immunity from vaccinations, increased social interactions, and relaxed preventive measures contribute to this trend. Symptoms for LF.7 and NB.1.8 resemble other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, mild cough, and fever, but are not deemed more severe. Loss of taste and smell, common in earlier variants, has not been reported, with most cases remaining mild, especially among vaccinated individuals.
Health authorities stress that vaccination is the most effective protection method against COVID-19. The Ministry of Health recommends booster shots for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, to help reduce transmission. Furthermore, the public is urged to practice standard precautions: wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining good hand hygiene, and isolating at home when feeling unwell.
Key measures to protect against COVID-19 include vaccination to prevent severe illness, mask-wearing in crowded or indoor environments to limit virus spread, practicing good hand hygiene through handwashing or using sanitizer, and keeping a safe distance from sick individuals while seeking medical help if symptomatic. These fundamental practices are crucial for fighting the virus and ensuring public safety.
The emergence of the JN.1 variant, a new strain of the Omicron variant, has raised concern. This variant transmits easily and features a specific mutation in its spike protein, which enables the virus to enter human cells. In mild or moderate cases, symptoms may last for one to two weeks, whereas severe cases can linger for months. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic, meaning they are infected but do not show symptoms, which complicates the management of the outbreak. The authorities however are urging people to stay calm as the numbers can still be controlled the BMC is working on monitoring the patients and urging people to follow basic precautions.
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