A new Covid variant is spreading fast in the US, and it’s “highly contagious”, a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases has warned.
- The variant, dubbed JN.1, is a heavily mutated new strain and is now the fastest-growing variant in the country and accounts for more than one-fifth of all infections in the US.
- Scientists have said the variant is a direct offshoot of BA.2.86, also known as “Pirola,” which hit the US over the summer.
It is unclear whether JN.1 causes symptoms different from other variants, according to the CDC, but its symptoms seem to be similar to those caused by other strains.
- These symptoms include: sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, and a loss of sense of taste or smell.