JN.1 Newer Spawns JN.1.7, JN.1.18, JN.1.22 And JN.1.8 Run Silently Amok In The United Kingdom!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 23, 2024 2 months, 4 days, 5 hours, 22 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: While daily and weekly COVID-19 statistics in the United Kingdom is being suppressed or downplayed in the by a variety of strategies including less testing, method of defining COVID-19 related cases etc, various
COVID-19 News reports are emerging that many in the country are either in a state of ‘perpetual sickness’ and thousands are unable to attend work or even schools.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/17/record-long-term-sickness-bodes-ill-for-uk-economic-growth
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/why-everyone-sick-illness-flu-covid-immunity-b1131272.html
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-02-21-study-reveals-high-number-persistent-covid-19-infections-general-population
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/19/the-devestating-impact-of-covid-and-austerity-on-children-in-england
JN.1 Newer Spawns JN.1.7, JN.1.18, JN.1.22 And JN.1.8 Run Silently
Amok In The United Kingdom
In the ever-evolving landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom is currently grappling with a surge in specific SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably JN.1.7, JN.1.18, JN.1.22, and JN.1.8.
As of February 21, 2024, the prevalence and growth rates of these variants have raised concerns within the scientific community, prompting a closer examination of the genomic landscape and the potential implications for public health.
There are speculations that while these new variants are only causing mild sickness in the majority of the population (except for those in the vulnerable groups i.e. the aged, those immunocompromised, those with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, heart issues etc), the symptoms and conditions that they are experiencing tend to be lasting for a longer period of time and in some cases do not seem to be clearing!
There are reasons to believe that these new SARS-CoV-2 variants are actually not only more immune evasive but are actually evolved for enhanced viral persistence which could mean more medical and health issues for many in the near future!
Variant Prevalence and Surveillance
Understanding the prevalence of these emerging JN.1 lineages requires a nuanced analysis that takes into account testing policies and sequencing efforts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides crucial information through the National Influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report. Lineages
are categorized using the Pangolin designation, considering sequences since August 28, 2023.
Recent data reveals a notable surge in the prevalence of JN.1.7, JN.1.18, JN.1.22, and JN.1.8 lineages, reflecting their increased transmission within the population. The 'Other' category encompasses additional sub-lineages, emphasizing the complexity of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Moreover, variant lineage relationships are elucidated through hierarchical analysis, providing insights into their evolutionary trajectories and genetic connections.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sars-cov-2-genome-sequence-prevalence-and-growth-rate/sars-cov-2-genome-sequence-prevalence-and-growth-rate-update-21-february-2024
Mutations In these variants and their phenotypes.
Not much is known about these new JN.1 spawns at the moment but data from the COV-Spectrum shows the unique mutations found on them.
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/Past6M/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=jn.1.7*&
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/Past6M/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=JN.1.18&
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/Past6M/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=JN.1.22&
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/Past6M/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=JN.1.8&
Variant Modelling and Growth Rates
To assess the relative growth advantage of emerging lineages, researchers employ sophisticated modelling techniques, including logistic regression generalised linear models (GLM) and generalised additive models (GAM). These models, calibrated using Pillar 1 testing data from England, enable the estimation of lineage-specific growth rates while accounting for geographical variations and co-circulating lineages.
However, challenges such as reduced sampling efforts and lineage proliferation necessitate careful interpretation of model outputs. Uncertainty in growth rate estimates underscores the need for robust surveillance systems and continuous refinement of modelling approaches. Despite these challenges, recent analyses highlight the substantial growth advantage exhibited by JN.1.7, JN.1.18, and JN.1.22 lineages, as evidenced by their positive growth rates in both GLM and GAM models.
Implications for Public Health
The emergence and rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants underscore the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines remain a critical tool in controlling transmission and mitigating disease severity, the evolving landscape of variants necessitates ongoing vigilance and adaptive public health strategies.
Efforts to enhance genomic surveillance, bolster testing capabilities, and optimize vaccination campaigns are imperative in mitigating the impact of emerging variants. Additionally, international collaboration and data sharing are essential for monitoring global variant dynamics and facilitating timely responses to emerging threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prevalence and growth rates of JN.1.7, JN.1.18, JN.1.22, and JN.1.8 SARS-CoV-2 variants in the United Kingdom underscore the ongoing challenges posed by viral evolution. Robust surveillance, advanced genomic sequencing, and sophisticated modelling techniques are indispensable tools in understanding variant dynamics and informing public health interventions.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, proactive measures aimed at containing variant spread, enhancing vaccine efficacy, and protecting vulnerable populations remain paramount. By leveraging scientific advancements and international collaboration, we can navigate the complexities of viral evolution and work towards a sustainable strategy for pandemic control.
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COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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