The COVID subvariant JN.1 surged from 21.3% to 44.2% in just two weeks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised the alarm as the highly contagious COVID-19 variant, JN.1, is now the most prevalent in the country, accounting for over 44% of recent cases.
In just two weeks ending December 23, JN.1 surged from 21.3% to 44.2%, with the Northeast—specifically New York, New Jersey, and Caribbean territories—reporting the highest increase at 56.9%, per CDC.
The subvariant prevails during increased holiday travel and decreased immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. It could lead to another wave of infections and burden the health systems, which are already struggling with a spike in flu and other respiratory viruses.
The CDC urges increased vaccination efforts, noting that only 18% of adults have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine.