Kenyan Doctors Alarmed by Surge in Respiratory Infections and Emergence of Variant JN.1

Summary:

• Doctors are concerned about a surge in respiratory infections in Kenya, possibly due to a resurgence of COVID-19. A new variant, JN.1, has been identified alongside the swine flu virus. The WHO classifies JN.1 as a “variant of interest” but assures that current vaccines are effective against it. Expert recommendations for behavior changes aim to mitigate the spread of the variant.

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Doctors across the nation are sounding the alarm as respiratory infections see a sharp increase, sparking concerns among health professionals who suspect a resurgence of COVID-19 may be to blame.

In Kenya, health authorities have identified a new offshoot of the Omicron variant, dubbed JN.1, alongside the detection of the swine flu influenza virus in surveillance data obtained from positive COVID samples collected throughout the 14 counties comprising the Lake Region Economic Bloc.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly classified the JN.1 strain as a “variant of interest” due to its concerning ability to evade the immune system and exhibit heightened transmissibility compared to other currently circulating variants.

Despite the emergence of JN.1, the WHO has reassured the public that existing vaccines remain effective in protecting against severe illness and mortality caused by this variant and other strains of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Shem Otoi, an expert in COVID-19 wave modeling, recently shared insights on Citizen TV, highlighting recommendations aimed at encouraging behavioral changes among the public to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the JN.1 variant.

chemutai@ke.abjinemedia.africa

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