A source in the Saudi Ministry of Health confirmed to Al-Arabiya.net that what is known as the “J.N.1” variant, which has been observed for its rapid local spread, is not a new disease. It is rather a sub-strain of the coronavirus, within the long list of variants.
The source explained that the COVID “J.N.1” variant is considered to be fast-spreading like other sub-variants. However, there have been no signs of an increase in its severity or even its resistance to vaccines. The Saudi Public Health Authority “Weqaya” revealed in a statement on its X platform account the observation of the rapid spread of this new variant of the coronavirus. However, that this has not been accompanied by any increase in intensive care admissions. Therefore , it confirms there is no cause for concern.
While it began to escalate rapidly in a number of countries around the world, the Saudi Health Authority confirmed that the risks and warnings of a new pandemic are not true.
The same source pointed out that the laboratories of the Public Health Authority “Weqaya” are continuously conducting special genetic sequencing of COVID-19 samples. This helps in detecting any new patterns or variants. He noted that sub-variants of the “COVID” strain are common and recurrent. They are fast-spreading but not as virulent as the strains that appeared at the beginning of the pandemic.
Regarding recommendations for dealing with the new variant, the source emphasized the importance of respiratory protection during the winter season. He also emphasized the importance of obtaining specific immunizations such as the influenza vaccine and the developed COVID vaccine.
Active in the Winter Season
In this context, Tariq Al-Azraqi, an infectious disease consultant, confirmed that these viruses are active in winter. He noted that the new variant is among the strains of previous variants. The doctor explained that coronavirus has produced many variants such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, and the latest being Omicron, which has been present since 2021.
He added that the new JN1 variant is among the Omicron strain. It consists of genetic mutations in the spike protein.
He also added that the emergence of new mutations in this protein could lead to human infection with this virus since previous vaccinations are based on the “S” spike vaccination. If a new variant emerges, the vaccines do not provide complete immunity, but there could be infections due to the presence of new mutations.
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