The JN.1 sub-variant is spreading rapidly across the city, resulting in an increase in the number of hospitalised patients, said Nguyen Luong Tam, deputy director of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, at a press briefing on February 2.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the number of COVID-19 cases has slightly increased since December 2023, with most cases infected with JN.1 sub-variant as seen in Singapore and India.

JN.1 is a descendant of BA.2.86 that has acquired the ability to transmit efficiently through an additional one or two mutations. The WHO also classified the new JN.1 strain as a "variant of interest".

However, Tam also quoted the WHO as saying that there is no indication of increased severity from JN.1 at this time. He revealed that COVID-19 vaccines and relevant drugs are reportedly still effective against the new sub-variant.

To cope with the spread of the new sub-variant in the city, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) recommended that people proactively take preventive measures to protect themselves from diseases.

It also requested that people wear masks in public places, regularly wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer, and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing in a bid to prevent the further spread of respiratory diseases.

Source: VOV