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Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first case of new Covid-19 variant, JN.1, according to Carpha today. At present, global health bodies consider JN.1 to be more transmissible than its predecessors but not more severe, while there are no known new symptoms.
On 22 December 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the JN1 to be “a separate variant of interest (VOI) apart from its parent lineage BA.2.86 due to its rapid increase in prevalence in recent weeks”.
However, WHO noted that, despite an increase by 52% of new cases during the previous 28-day period, there was actually a decrease in new deaths by 8%.
“The continued growth of JN.1 suggests that it is either more transmissible or better at evading our immune systems,” noted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last month. “At this time, there is no evidence that JN.1 presents an increased risk to public health relative to other currently circulating variants.
“[…] The types of symptoms and how severe they are usually depend more on a person’s immunity and overall health rather than which variant causes the infection.”
Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH), had “an increase in hospitalisations and deaths related to Covid-19 in the country” with six deaths since 23 December 2023.
“The Ministry notes the global increase in Covid-19 cases within recent months,” stated a MoH release. “A similar trend was noted in the Caribbean region and locally, as a result of increased movement of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and the Carnival seasons, among other factors.”
The MoH echoed WHO’s assertion that JN.1 is believed to be more transmissible but not necessarily more severe, and said it “continues to monitor global trends for Covid-19 and other viruses of concern”.
Again, elderly persons, pregnant women and persons with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and immunocompromised persons are considered more vulnerable and are advised to exercise greater caution.
“The Ministry of Health encourages persons to weigh the risk to themselves, their families and their communities, and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard lives,” stated the release. “The Ministry will continue to encourage the public to practice good hygiene with the aim of reducing the spread of viruses including Influenza and Covid-19.”
MoH counter-measures against the virus include:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers (containing at least 70% alcohol).
- Regularly clean and sanitise high touch surfaces (such as door knobs, countertops, desks).
- Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, water bottles, towels and wash rags with others.
- Avoid touching one’s face and eyes with unclean hands.
- Avoid close contact with persons who display symptoms of infectious viruses.
- Wear a mask where appropriate.
- Stay home if you are ill.
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