Panic grips the world: Highly transmissible JN.1 Covid variant causes international outbreak

The highly transmissible JN.1 Covid variant is driving a fresh outbreak across more than six countries, leading to the resurgence of social distancing and face mask mandates. First detected in Luxembourg, JN.1 evolved from the Pirola variant (BA.2.86) and has been causing significant concern in the global health community.

Escalating COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Worldwide

Several countries, including the United States, European nations, Singapore, China, and India, have reported fresh COVID-19 cases attributed to the JN.1 variant. With some nations even reporting deaths, the World Health Organisation notes that Pirola and its variants account for a significant percentage of the global SARS-CoV-2 sequences.

Global Alarm as JN.1 Covid Variant Triggers Outbreaks Across Six Countries

Singapore’s Surge in COVID-19 Cases

Singapore has recorded over 56,000 cases in a week, predominantly among the elderly. The health ministry states that JN.1 currently accounts for the majority of COVID-19 cases in the country, though there’s no indication of increased transmissibility or severity compared to other variants.

Rising Cases in Indonesia and Malaysia

Indonesia has seen a 13% rise in COVID-19 cases, with the capital Jakarta averaging 200 cases per day. In Malaysia, cases doubled ahead of Christmas and New Year, jumping from 6,796 to nearly 13,000 by December 10. Despite this surge, the government is focusing on community tracing rather than a lockdown.

China’s Low Epidemic Level and the Philippines’ Uptick

China reports a “low epidemic level” of the JN.1 variant, with all cases being mild or asymptomatic. Meanwhile, the Philippines has seen an increase in COVID-19 and flu-like illnesses, recording 1,340 new cases in the first week of December.

JN.1 Variant Detected in India and the US

India’s southern state of Kerala reported its first JN.1 cases, with additional cases detected in Goa. In the US, the variant was first detected in September and has been accounting for an increasing percentage of sequenced test samples.