May 2, 2024

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Chinese CDC: COVID-19 Epidemic May Experience Resurgence in January

Chinese CDC: COVID-19 Epidemic May Experience Resurgence in January; JN.1 Variant Likely to Emerge



Chinese CDC: COVID-19 Epidemic May Experience Resurgence in January; JN.1 Variant Likely to Emerge

During the press conference held by China’s National Health Commission on January 14, Director Wang Dayan of the National Influenza Center at the Virus Disease Institute of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that recent data from multiple monitoring systems indicate that, after the New Year holiday, the nationwide COVID-19 situation in China remains at a relatively low level.

The positivity rate for COVID-19 testing in sentinel hospitals is still below 1%, with an increasing proportion of the JN.1 variant.

Experts speculate that this winter and spring in China will continue to witness the alternating or simultaneous prevalence of various respiratory pathogens, with influenza viruses remaining dominant in the short term.

Due to factors such as the continuous importation of the JN.1 variant, a gradual decrease in domestic influenza activity, and a decline in population immunity, the COVID-19 infection situation may experience a resurgence this month. The JN.1 variant is likely to evolve into the predominant strain in China.

Belonging to the Omicron sub-lineage, JN.1 is considered a descendant lineage of BA.2.86 and was first discovered in Luxembourg in August 2023. It is currently known as the fastest-growing variant of the novel coronavirus, particularly evident in the United States and Canada.

Evidence suggests that the JN.1 variant exhibits immune escape and increased transmissibility, but its pathogenicity has not been enhanced. Specific antiviral drugs remain effective against it.

Dr. Wang Guiqiang, Director of the Infectious Diseases Department at Peking University First Hospital, also pointed out that winter is a season with a high incidence of respiratory diseases, including various respiratory infections and non-infectious diseases such as influenza A and B, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia.

After infection with these pathogens, the immunity established is not long-lasting, leading to the possibility of recurrent infections. Additionally, there is no cross-immunity between them, allowing different pathogens to infect simultaneously or alternately.

It is recommended that individuals take adequate personal protective measures and promptly seek differential diagnosis if experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.

Chinese CDC: COVID-19 Epidemic May Experience Resurgence in January; JN.1 Variant Likely to Emerge

Chinese CDC: COVID-19 Epidemic May Experience Resurgence in January; JN.1 Variant Likely to Emerge

(source:internet, reference only)


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