WHO Identifies JN.1 as "Variant of Interest" Amid Rapid Spread of New Covid Strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest," but stated that it poses a low risk to public health. JN.1, which was first detected in the US in September, is a subvariant of the parent lineage BA.2.86. Current vaccines are still effective against JN.1 and other circulating variants of the COVID-19 virus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that JN.1 accounts for 15% to 29% of cases in the US, but there is no evidence of increased risk compared to other variants. China has also detected seven infections of the JN.1 subvariant.