"Global Concerns Rise as Highly Mutated COVID Variant 'Pirola' Spawns and Death Toll Mounts"

The World Health Organization reported nearly 10,000 global COVID-19 deaths in December, with a surge in highly mutated variant "Pirola" JN.1 and its offspring, including JN.1.4, climbing the charts in the U.S. and globally. The variant is linked to increased hospitalizations and ICU admissions, with concerns about its potential to spawn more relatives. Experts warn that the pandemic's trajectory depends on mitigation efforts and the virus's ability to find new hosts.