New Covid Pirola strain warning as mysterious JN.1 variant ‘takes off’ in Europe

A professor has warned of a newly detected strain of Covid which is feared to be “more transmissible” as it continues to spread through several countries.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says the new JN.1 strain of the virus has already been found in the UK, as well as the US, Iceland, Portugal and Spain. Experts say it is also spreading rapidly through France. Officials say they are still discovering more about JN.1 but fear the latest variant could become a serious health issue. According to Amesh Adalja, from the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, JN.1 is a descendant of BA.2.86 – better known as the Pirola variant, which came from Omicron.

Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Prevention.com: “There is some data that suggest JN.1’s parent BA.2.86 may be more transmissible than previous variants. Since JN.1 is a derivative of BA.2.86, there is a concern that it may be more transmissible. The updated vaccine is closer to JN.1 than our old vaccine, the hope is that, even if we see more cases with JN.1, the updated vaccine will protect against severe disease.”

Earlier this month it was reported millions of people who still haven’t had a flu or Covid vaccine are at risk of becoming seriously ill, health bosses have warned. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged Brits to “get winter strong” following expectations that flu and Covid-19 infections will rise this season. UKHSA has teamed up with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to encourage the most vulnerable to take up the offer.

It has been reported 11.7million people in England have been given the flu jab, while 8.6million have received a Covid booster. However, there are still millions of eligible adults who haven’t taken the injections, such as pregnant women, those with health conditions and kids aged 2 and 3. Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best protection. I urge all those eligible to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong. Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”

Full list of symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea