Rapidly Spreading COVID Variant JN.1 Raises Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the COVID variant JN.1 as a "variant of interest." JN.1 was previously classified under the parent strain BA.2.86 and is estimated to account for 21% of new cases in the U.S. While there is no evidence that JN.1 causes more severe disease, caution is urged as the holiday season may lead to increased respiratory infections. Existing tests, vaccines, and treatments are still expected to be effective against JN.1, and the public health risk is currently considered low.