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18 new JN.1 Covid variant cases detected in PH — DOH

Philippines | National

18 new JN.1 Covid variant cases detected in PH — DOH

By Rhowen Del Rosario

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, Dec. 24 said it detected 18 new cases of JN.1, a Covid-19 variant, in the country.

The health department said the new variants and strains of viruses like Covid-19 are always present, but "only a few become of concern."

It also pointed out that JN.1 is another Omicron subvariant; however, no current evidence suggests that it causes more "severity or unusual clinical presentation" than other Omicron variants, nor does it seem to spread faster.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considered JN.1 a "variant of interest" due to its recent emergence - it still requires close observation and study by epidemiologists and researchers worldwide.

The first JN.1 case in the country was detected on Nov. 16, with the most recent identified on Dec. 3.

However, DOH said that there has been no significant increase in the number or severity of cases overall.

Furthermore, all the JN.1 cases have recovered.

The DOH urged everyone to use multiple layers of protection by masking, ensuring good airflow and adequate ventilation, covering coughs, and vaccination, especially among high-risk and vulnerable groups.

The department further assured the public that it is keeping watch over other concerns this holiday season.

Related Tags

Department of Health (DOH) COVID variant

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