JN.1 variant causes about 62% of coronavirus cases in US, CDC says – 06/01/2024

The JN.1 variant of the coronavirus caused about 62% of cases in the United States as of Jan. 5, according to the agency's projections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Friday.

JN.1, a descendant of BA.2.86, is now the most widespread variant in the United States and around the world, the agency said.

It is also the dominant type in Europe and is increasing sharply in Asia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The expected range of 55% to 68% of cases represents an increase over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's estimated prevalence of 39% to 50% of cases in the United States as of December 23.

The CDC said there is currently no evidence that JN.1 causes more severe disease, and added that current vaccines should increase protection against JN.1.

Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 increased 20.4% in the week ending December 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In December, the World Health Organization classified the JN.1 strain as a “variant of concern” and said current data showed the public health risk from this strain was low. (Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvilla)