The Concerning Rise of Covid Variant JN.1: What You Should Know

The JN.1 variant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant, is causing concern among scientists due to its potential for increased infectivity and vaccine evasion. Detected in the United States and 11 other countries, this variant is contributing to a surge in COVID-19 infections globally. However, the CDC reassures that JN.1 and BA.2.86 are rare and make up less than 0.1% of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The spike protein, which is targeted by vaccines, has a single change in JN.1 compared to BA.2.86. The CDC believes that updated vaccines will likely provide protection against both variants, and treatments and testing should remain effective. Monitoring for the impact of new variants on vaccines, tests, and treatments continues, with prompt public alerts if any concerning developments arise.