Bangkok, Watch out for COVID-19. A new subspecies, JN.1, was found in many countries mixed in wastewater. The symptoms are no different. But evasive immunity improves Prof. Emeritus Dr. Wasan Chandrathit, Head of the Medical Genome Center Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University Revealing the spread of the COVID virus strain JN.1 (JN One) that patients have been found in many countries. Both in European countries, Singapore and the United States. And there is a trend in Thailand as well. The COVID-19 strain JN.1 has continued to evolve from the omicron sub-strain BA.2.86, with a change found in one spike protein position, making it better able to evade immunity. From the beginning, the body had learned how to protect itself. It may be more difficult to deal with. But the symptoms found Not different from the past Omicron species. As for the announcement about the virus by the World Health Organization or WHO, which announced the JN.1 strain as VOI or Variants of interest, meaning it is a n interesting strain. But it is not as worrisome as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta strains. Initially, 3 people have been found infected with the JN.1 strain in Thailand and it may be necessary to monitor the number of patients increasing. Because during this period, COVID testing is less strict. While Omicron-like symptoms are not severe, they are worrisome. Because it can spread quickly The public health system must be prepared to support this as well. There will also be symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. This is because JN.1 has been detected in wastewater in many countries. Faecal and urine sources in the community It is possible that the infection has moved from the lungs. Does it enter the digestive system? So the virus was found in the wastewater. The head of the Genome Center revealed that the WHO will allow the production of a new version of the vaccine. To prevent more new strains of infection. In Thailand, it is expected that there are many currently available, probably the 2nd generation, bivalent, which can still be injected. Although it does not prevent infection But it can help reduce the severity of the disease. While the COVID-19 outbreak cycle During the month of January This is normal for an outbreak. Like the delta and omicron ranges. In early 2024, outbreaks of the JN.1 strain were mainly found in many countries, such as the United States and Singapore, so we had to keep an eye on that. In our country, the outbreak of JN.1 will be more or less than other strains. How during the same period? And then this species will disappear in late January. And there will be a new strain developed from JN.1 to replace it. We have to wait and see the rate of spread and severity again. In our country, the most annoying thing is the time after the festival when there are gatherings. And it is still recommended to wear a mask when entering crowded areas. Because it is still enough to help protect. Source: Thai News Agency