What to Know About the COVID-19 Variant JN.1

The Omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 has swiftly become a dominant force, now constituting approximately 44.2% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to the latest figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recent estimates from CDC data revealed a rapid surge in the prevalence of the JN.1 variant, marking a substantial increase from just days ago when it was believed to cause only around 20% of infections across the nation.

In the Northeastern region, JN.1 represents nearly 57% of new COVID-19 cases, indicating a significant rise in its dominance compared to earlier this week, where it accounted for roughly a third of new infections.

Globally, JN.1 is being reported in multiple countries, showcasing an escalating prevalence. The World Health Organization designated it a variant of interest due to its rapid spread, while highlighting that its additional public health risk remains relatively low.

CDC estimates indicate that the prevalence of JN.1 more than doubled in the US between late November and mid-December. This upsurge seems to have been facilitated by holiday travel and declining immunity.

Tracking experts anticipate JN.1 to soon become the primary coronavirus variant worldwide within a matter of weeks.

Vaccine immunity is expected to retain a "cross-reactive" effect against JN.1, a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant. This subvariant initially drew attention during the summer due to significant alterations in its spike proteins.

As of the week ending December 9, COVID-19 caused 7 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, indicating a 3% increase, as per CDC data.

While over three-quarters of US hospital beds are currently in use, a trend consistent with the past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC warns that rising hospitalizations from respiratory viruses might strain healthcare resources in the forthcoming weeks.