A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of Coronavirus has been classified as a variant of interest by the WHO because of its rapidly increasing spread. The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection. The World Health Organization is monitoring a number of circulating variants linked to Omicron, including JN.1 which appears to be the most prevalent.
At present, it remains clear that none of them are considered of concern. Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere.
