Is JN.1 Omicron’s subvariant? Here’s what WHO says...

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated the Covid subvariant JN.1 as a "variant of interest" but played down concerns over its threat level on Tuesday.

What WHO says on Covid subvariant JN.1?

"Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low," the global health body stated.

Notably, JN.1 was already being monitored by the WHO as part of the Omicron BA.2 sublineage it descends from.

US health officials estimate the strain already comprises 15-29% of American cases as of December 8. It was first identified in the country three months ago.

However, the WHO stressed there is currently no sign that JN.1 poses increased risk relative to other prevailing variants. Updated booster shots should still confer protection, it noted.

China reports 7 cases of Covid JN.1

China detected seven JN.1 infections last week amid surging case numbers after abandoning its strict zero-Covid controls.

For now, the WHO believes available evidence shows the subvariant presents a limited additional danger to public health despite its rapid growth. But it remains under close surveillance.