The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the COVID-19 variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest due to its rapid spread, distinct from the parent lineage BA.2.86.

The global public health risk associated with JN.1 is currently considered low, but as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, it could contribute to an increased burden of respiratory infections.

Despite this, current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death caused by JN.1 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The WHO emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including wearing masks, improving ventilation, practising respiratory etiquette, regular hand hygiene, vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza, staying home when sick, and getting tested for symptoms or exposure.

Health workers are advised to use universal masking in health facilities and appropriate personal protective equipment when caring for COVID-19 patients. The WHO will continue to monitor and update risk evaluations as needed.

Currently, some countries with the largest number of cases of the JN.1 variant are France, USA, Singapore, Canada and UK.