Islamabad, January 3, 2024 – As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread rapidly across the globe, Pakistan has issued a comprehensive advisory to address the emerging challenges posed by the newly identified JN.1 sub-variant.
The advisory, released by the National Institute of Health (NIH), aims to guide health authorities and stakeholders in implementing timely prevention and control measures, enhancing preparedness to manage potential cases in the future.
The NIH categorizes JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI) and identifies it as a derivative of the BA.2.86 sub-variant of the Omicron variant. This sub-variant was first reported in August 2023 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC). While initially considered a minor offshoot, JN.1 has garnered global attention in recent weeks due to its increasing prevalence in various countries.
The advisory highlights the urgency of addressing the rapid growth of JN.1, which has been reported in numerous nations, leading to a surge in its global prevalence. This exponential increase is particularly pronounced across three World Health Organization (WHO) regions, namely the Americas, the Western Pacific, and the European regions. The Western Pacific region, in particular, has witnessed a staggering rise, with the prevalence of JN.1 soaring from 1.1% in epidemiological week 44 to a concerning 65.6% in epidemiological week 48.
The NIH advisory emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to curb the spread of JN.1 and mitigate its impact on public health. The objective is to facilitate health authorities and other stakeholders in implementing proactive measures to detect, isolate, and treat cases promptly. Additionally, the advisory calls for heightened preparedness to handle potential surges in COVID-19 cases linked to the JN.1 sub-variant.
Given the evolving nature of the situation, the NIH underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and sharing of SARS-CoV-2 sequences across borders. This collaborative approach will enhance global understanding of the variant’s behavior and aid in the development of targeted response strategies.
Health officials urge the public to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended preventive measures, including vaccination, mask-wearing, and social distancing. The advisory serves as a crucial tool to empower healthcare professionals and authorities to stay ahead of the curve in the battle against emerging variants of the COVID-19 virus.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the Omicron variant and its sub-variants, Pakistan’s proactive approach in issuing this advisory reflects a commitment to safeguarding public health and minimizing the impact of the ongoing global health crisis.
