In unfortunate news, cases of COVID-19 are increasing just in time for the holidays.
Behind this uptick is a new strain called JN.1, which accounted for 21.4% of cases in the United States as of Dec. 9, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JN.1 is a descendant of BA.2.86, which first emerged in late summer. Both are part of the omicron lineage.
The World Health Organization has named JN.1 a “variant of interest,” but also noted that “the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level.” In other words, don’t panic — but do know that with cases rising, you are more likely to get sick or be exposed to someone who is sick.
