GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest,” saying that it does not pose a significant threat to public health.
“Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” the global health agency said.
Previously categorized under its parent lineage BA.2.86, JN.1 had been considered a variant of interest.
The WHO assured that existing vaccines remain effective in protecting against severe disease and death caused by JN.1 and other circulating variants of the COVID-19 virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, as of December 8, the subvariant JN.1 accounts for an estimated 15% to 29% of cases in the United States.
The CDC clarified that there is presently no evidence suggesting an elevated risk to public health from JN.1 compared to other circulating variants, and an updated vaccine could provide continued protection against this variant.
