Omicron Variant Surges Amidst Winter Covid Wave
A new subvariant of the Omicron variant, JN.1 or "Pirola," is rapidly spreading in New Zealand, accounting for one in 10 cases sequenced. It is uncertain whether JN.1 will outcompete the EG.5 subvariant that has been dominant in the pre-Christmas wave. JN.1, which is now responsible for about a third of cases in the UK and US, has a single change in its spike protein compared to BA.2.86. While JN.1 may have gained extra transmissibility, there is no evidence of increased severity. The current wave in New Zealand has led to a surge in vaccinations, but cases are expected to increase further during the pre-Christmas period. The emergence of a completely new variant would require a substantial leap in evolution.