Ho Chi Minh City is aggressively controlling COVID-19, because of the appearance of the JN.1 variant

Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute affirmed that recently, the number of respiratory disease cases has increased due to other factors (for example, flu), not just because of Covid-19. To date, there is not enough evidence to say that JN.1 increases severity, changes immunity, or affects diagnosis.

Regarding the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Ho Chi Minh City, many cases are serious. Notably, the JN.1 sub-variant was discovered in many Covid-19 cases being treated at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, one of the variants assessed to have the risk of spreading quickly. This afternoon, we had a discussion with the Representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) to update on the prevention of this disease in Ho Chi Minh City.

Sharing with the press on the afternoon of January 26, in response to the appearance of the JN.1 sub-variant in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Nguyen Vu Thuong - deputy director of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City - said that from the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic There have been many variants such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron and most recently JN.1 (which is a sub-variant from variant BA.2.86).

In the world, this variant appeared from August 2023. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this variant as a variant of concern (Variant of Interest - VOI).

Recent studies show that the JN.1 variant has the ability to enter lung cells. However, actual data shows that the clinical picture, immune progression, disease severity... are unchanged compared to previous variants.
The recent increase in the number of respiratory infections may be due to other agents, not just COVID-19 such as influenza.

"Up to now, with the available data, there is not enough evidence to say that the JN.1 variant increases severity, changes the immune system, changes and affects diagnosis," Dr. Thuong emphasized. strong.

With the number of COVID-19 cases, specifically the JN.1 variant recently recorded in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Thuong said that the majority of hospitalizations are cases of COVID-19 vaccination. enough doses, not enough doses or have an underlying disease. Therefore, the COVID-19 situation is still under control.

Responding to the question of how the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute prepared to prevent the epidemic when the JN.1 variant appeared, Mr. Thuong said that from the beginning of 2024, the Ministry of Health had close instructions on prevention. pandemic. In particular, the Ministry emphasizes monitoring, early detection, and immediate control of epidemics that may arise during the Lunar New Year and the 2024 Festival season.

As the unit responsible for epidemic prevention in 20 provinces and cities in the Southern region, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City coordinates closely with Ho Chi Minh City's tertiary hospitals in directing, evaluating, and forecasting the situation. epidemic, while always combining units in monitoring activities and responding to local support.

During the Lunar New Year, the local Centers for Disease Control and the Institute all arranged permanent rapid response teams to closely monitor the epidemic situation and be ready to coordinate responses in case of need.

In order for all people to welcome spring happily, healthily, and safely, leaders of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City affirmed that each individual needs to comply with epidemic prevention instructions as recommended by the Health sector on correct vaccination and sufficient doses.

When there are signs of flu syndrome (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and joint pain...), you need to go to a medical facility for diagnosis, guidance, effective care and treatment. People should limit contact if suspected of being infected with Covid-19 and avoid contact with sick people.

"It is necessary to ensure house ventilation, wear masks in crowded places, wash hands regularly with soap or antiseptic solution when necessary. These actions not only prevent Covid-19 but also help prevent many diseases." different breathing," Mr. Thuong said.

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