There are currently no reported cases of the new JN.1 Covid-19 variant in the country, an infectious disease expert assured on Friday, Dec. 22, citing the surveillance data from the Philippine Genome Center.

However, Dr. Rontgene Solante is not ruling out the possibility that the new Covid-19 variant may have entered the country unnoticed.

"Pero it's not also impossible na nakapasok na ito dahil nga the JN.1 variant is now also found in some neighboring Asian countries like Japan, China, and even Singapore (But it's not impossible that it has already entered the country because the JN.1 variant is now also found in some of our neighboring Asian countries, like Japan, China, and even Singapore)," Solante said in an interview with PTV Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

He pointed out the movement of Filipinos and foreigners between these countries, emphasizing the importance of individuals remaining cautious and acting as if the variant had already entered the country.

JN.1 variant explained

Solante said the JN.1 variant is a sub-variant of BA.2.86 and a recombinant of another XBB variant, which is under scrutiny by scientists due to its numerous mutations, potentially making it highly transmissible.

"Pwede rin itong makahawa kahit naka-facemask at bakunado ang isang tao, at pwedeng makakuha ng infection sa JN.1 (This can still be contagious even if a person is wearing a face mask and has been vaccinated, and one can still contract the infection from JN.1)," he warned.

Also, while hospitalization and ICU admission rates in the country remain relatively “low” despite the “surge” in Covid cases during the holiday season, Solante urged the public to exercise caution by undergoing protective measures.

When asked if it is safe to say that, in comparison to 2020, Filipinos now treat Covid-19 as a common illness, resulting in low hospital admissions in the country, he said, "If we look at the data, most of the cases we have now show mild symptoms."

Exercising caution

Solante acknowledged that most current cases exhibit mild symptoms such as fever, colds, and cough, lasting between three and five days, similar to flu and influenza.

"But we should not be complacent about it; kahit sabihin pa natin na mild ang Covid ngayon ay we still have to warn and emphasize sa mga tao na “Covid is still here,” and there's a possibility na pwedeng ang ordinaryong trangkaso ay humantong sa pagka-severe pneumonia (Even if we say that Covid is mild now, we still have to warn and emphasize to people that “Covid is still here,” and there's a possibility that an ordinary illness could lead to severe pneumonia)," the expert noted.

Solante clarified that “seeking medical attention” is crucial if symptoms persist for “more than a week” or if there are changes in a person's condition, such as increased fatigue, phlegm, or difficulty breathing.

He stressed that the infection might involve a bacterial component beyond one week, requiring antibiotics and diagnostic tests.

The expert underscored the importance of not dismissing symptoms even if they seem mild, urging the public to stay vigilant and recognize that Covid-19, despite its current manifestation, remains a potential threat to public health.