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WHO classifies JN.1 variant of Covid-19 as ‘Variant of Interest’ following sharp uptick in cases

Why did WHO classify JN.1 as a 'variant of interest'? What does the risk assessment of this variant say?

Published Dec 19, 2023 | 11:45 PM ⚊UpdatedDec 19, 2023 | 11:45 PM

The WHO declared JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) on 19 December. (Wikimedia Commons)

Amidst fear of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases across India and the finding of the JN.1 subvariant in a patient in Kerala, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, 19 December, declared JN.1 as a separate “variant of interest” (VOI) from its parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages.

“Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying JN.1, previously a sub-lineage of BA.2.86, as a distinct variant of interest (VOI),” the statement said.

This decision follows the notable increase in JN.1 cases globally, which now constitutes the majority of BA.2.86 descendant lineages reported to GISAID (Global Initiative of Sharing All Influenza Data).

What is the risk level of JN.1?

The WHO said that despite its rapid spread, the public health risk posed by JN.1 as “low” at the global level.
In a statement, it said, “Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low.”

Regarding the transmissibility and immune escape potential of JN.1, the WHO states that while JN.1 shows higher immune evasion properties than some concurrent variants, the overall risk remains moderate.

Preliminary studies indicate that vaccines, particularly the XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine, are likely effective against JN.1. However, the WHO emphasises the need for further research to comprehensively understand JN.1’s impact on global health.

NEW: #COVID19 variant of interest JN.1

Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.

Based on the available… pic.twitter.com/lvyd3sq1f7

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 19, 2023

How is it different from BA.2.86?

The WHO explains that JN.1, a descendant of BA.2.86, was first identified on 25 August 2023. It differs from its parent lineage by an additional L455S mutation in the spike protein.

As of 16 December 2023, 7,344 JN.1 sequences have been reported from 41 countries, marking a significant rise from 3.3 percent to 27.1 percent of the global sequences between late October and early December 2023.

The highest proportions of JN.1 sequences have been reported in France, the United States, Singapore, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.

Will the Covid-19 vaccines work on JN.1?

Despite its increasing prevalence, the WHO anticipates that current population immunity and the XBB.1.5 booster vaccination will remain effective against JN.1, particularly in preventing symptomatic and severe disease.

This outlook suggests that JN.1 will not significantly burden national public health systems more than other Omicron sub-lineages.

However, the WHO cautions countries, especially those entering the winter season, about the potential increase in respiratory diseases due to the co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.

Also Read: JN.1 in India: Karnataka Health department’s Dos and Don’ts

What is WHO asking member states to do?

In response to these developments, the WHO and its Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Evolution (TAG-VE) are closely monitoring JN.1 and recommend specific actions for Member States. These include conducting neutralisation assays and comparative evaluations of severity indicators to better understand the variant’s characteristics.

In India, health authorities are on high alert due to the emergence of the JN.1 Covid-19 variant, particularly after a spike in cases in Kerala. The variant currently presents mild symptoms, but national health officials have released an advisory emphasising the importance of respiratory hygiene, especially during the upcoming festive season.

States like Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand are responding proactively. In all of these states, medical professionals are urging the public to wear masks and practice Covid-safe behaviours.

In Karnataka, the government has decided to increase testing and has made mask-wearing compulsory for those above 60 years and those with comorbidities. Also, all SARI (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and ILI (influenza-like illness) patients are being compulsorily tested for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, a strict vigil on districts bordering Kerala has been announced by the Health Ministry.

Telangana’s new government has alerted hospitals statewide about the JN.1 variant. Dr M Raja Rao of Gandhi Hospital highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring of flu-like symptoms, increased testing, isolation protocols, and readiness with masks and medications.