HCMC Records JN.1 COVID-19 Subvariant Infections, First Cases in Vietnam

As many as 12 out of 16 COVID-19 patients admitted at the Tropical Diseases Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City in December were infected with the JN.1 variant, marking the first time that Vietnam has identified the presence of this variant, local media reported.

Mr. Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said that these findings were the result of surveillance by the infectious disease monitoring team at the hospital and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU).

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), from December 18, 2023, to January 22, 2024, there were 94 COVID-19 cases treated in hospitals, originating from the city and other provinces. Among them, 17 cases were severe, requiring oxygen therapy, with no reported fatalities. All severe cases belonged to the high-risk group and had not received the complete doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.

Mr. Thuong expressed his concerns as the number of coronavirus hospital admissions at the Tropical Diseases Hospital increased over the past six weeks.

Given the approaching Tet holiday, with increased social interactions and travel, he emphasized the existing risk of a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions. To prevent the pandemic, the health sector advised the public not to be complacent and to continue implementing self-protective measures for themselves, their families, and the community.

JN.1 is a subvariant derived from the BA.2.86 variant of Omicron, categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant of interest." JN.1 is contributing to an increase in the number of cases and deaths in some countries, including Thailand. It is the fastest-growing variant and has dominated in the U.S. in December. Since December 18, this variant has rapidly spread globally.

(VnExpress, Lao Dong, VTC, Tien Phong, Suc Khoe Doi Song, Suc Khoe Doi Song 1)