JN.1, the Latest COVID-19 Variant, Exhibits High Transmission Rate: MoHP
Hamrakura
Published 2024 Jan 10 Wednesday
Kathmandu: The transmission rate of the latest sub-variant of the Coronavirus, JN.1, is on the rise in Nepal. Dr. Rudra Prasad Marasini, Director of the Epidemiology and Diseases Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), revealed that JN.1 demonstrates a higher transmission rate from one person to another compared to other variants.
Dr. Marasini stated, "The transmission rate of JN.1 is higher in urban areas due to larger crowds. Fortunately, the fatality rate and complications associated with the infection are low."
Detected in seven out of 16 samples tested at the National Public Health Laboratory, JN.1 is the newest sub-variant of the Omicron variant. Given its high transmissibility, the MoHP has called on the public to adhere to precautionary measures, including wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance, and practicing regular hand hygiene, especially in crowded settings.
In response to the increasing infection rate of the new sub-variant, the Ministry has initiated screening measures for suspected cases at entry points through health desks.
