Will the rising cases of JN.1 COVID variant be a concern for India?

Mumbai: The JN.1 variant has been spreading rapidly globally, leading to an increasing rate of COVID-19 infections globally. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for approximately 15–29 per cent of COVID-19 infections in the US. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed the Omicron subvariant as ‘a notable descendent lineage’ of Omicron subvariant BA.2.86 (Pirola). According to the WHO, the proportion of BA.2.86 and its descendent lineages, including JN.1 which has one additional substitution in the spike protein as compared to BA.2.86 (L455S), has been increasing steadily. As of December 2, 2023, BA.2.86 and its descendent lineages, including JN.1, accounted for 17 of the sequences available in GISAID, more than half of which were JN.1.

JN.1 mutations provide the subvariant immune-evading capabilities. This has also raised concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against the variant. Early studies indicate that the vaccines work against the variant, but they aren’t producing enough antibodies against JN.1. ETHealthworld interacted with a few experts to gain their opinion on the Omicron sub-variant and if JN.1 is responsible for the uptick in cases in India.

Dr Umang Agrawal, Infectious Diseases Consultant, PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim commenting on the mutation said, “COVID is known to be caused by the SARS CoV2 virus and as all viruses it is expected to mutate whether the new variant is going to assume the proportion of an epidemic it is a bit difficult to say at this point.

He continued, “However, given the earlier experience of India with various variants of COVID that we have seen. We are much more prepared to tackle this particular variant in case it does become a concern. Presently, all we can do is appeal to the public to keep wearing masks, followed by social distancing so that this variant doesn’t become a major issue in our city.

Sharing her views, Dr Anita Mathew, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, commented, The new COVID-19 variant JN1 from the lineage of Omicron is able to elude the immunity provided by the latest vaccine, which includes immunity against Omicron. The features and symptoms are the same as cold cough and sore throat with fever. The infection can be prevented by the usual protocol of masking,hand washing, and avoiding crowded areas.

“There is no need to panic as in general, all respiratory illness numbers increase during winter and so far the disease hasn't left people gasping for breath. Hence, though we need to be cautious and mindful to prevent the illness, there is no need to panic,” Dr Mathew emphasised.

Read more at: Rising JN.1 variant sparks concerns; experts urge vigilance

The new SARS-CoV-2 variant JN.1 is showing increased transmissibility and immune resistance. The spike in cases in India is currently being attributed to this variant, Prof Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman, Nephron Clinic, New Delhi, taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shared, “JN.1 will bring more COVID-19 infections, won't seriously worsen current situation: JN.1 variant is part of BA.2.86 variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus, with additional L455S mutation in RBD region. Early studies show: BA.2.86 has similar immune escape as XBB variants.”

The current vaccines are effective against the JN.1 variant but it could escape the immune response of vaccines. International experts are suggesting taking updated COVID-19 vaccines and following COVID-19 protocols. There isn’t enough data on the pathogenicity of the variant, but it could be the reason behind the rise in infections globally as well as in India.