Early Data Suggests JN.1 COVID Variant Not Leading to More Severe Disease, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released early data suggesting that the latest COVID variant, known as JN.1, is not causing more severe disease. Despite the strain’s rapid spread, accounting for an estimated 85.7% of COVID-19 cases nationwide, hospitals have not reported an increase in the severity of symptoms. Dr. Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, a CDC official, shared these findings during a webinar with testing laboratories.
While the CDC is still awaiting more weeks of data to provide a more detailed assessment of JN.1’s impact this season, Dr. Azziz-Baumgartner stated that there are “early signals” indicating that the variant does not lead to more severe symptoms compared to previous waves. However, he emphasized that the impact of the virus can vary from person to person, and what may seem mild to the general population could be severe for an individual.
The CDC plans to release further details about JN.1’s severity in the coming weeks as more data accumulates. Currently, there is no evidence linking JN.1 or its other variants of interest to increased disease severity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC and other federal health agencies have not classified JN.1 as a standalone variant of interest, unlike the WHO’s decision last month.
The CDC’s early findings on JN.1 come as respiratory virus trends begin to slow after reaching a peak during the winter holidays. The agency’s disease forecasters have concluded that JN.1’s spread does not warrant an increased assessment of COVID-19’s threat this winter. Hospitalization rates appear to be lower than they were last season, although COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to surpass influenza cases nationwide.
However, data lags may be affecting the overall picture as hospitals catch up on delayed reporting of weekly admissions. Officials are also monitoring for signs of a renewed increase in influenza spread, as seen in previous seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic. Some jurisdictions, particularly in New England, have reported strain on hospitals, with Massachusetts General Hospital warning of an “unprecedented overcrowding” crisis.
As the CDC continues to gather more data and analyze the impact of JN.1, it is crucial to remain vigilant in following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated. While the early data suggests that JN.1 may not cause more severe disease, the situation can evolve, and it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of individuals and communities.
Alexander Tin, a digital reporter for CBS News, covers the Biden administration’s public health agencies and their response to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
