"Yes, the JN.1 variant has been found in Indonesia. Based on the genome sequencing results, there were 38 cases of JN.1 in Jakarta since early 2023," Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Service, Ani Ruspitawati, stated at the Jakarta City Hall on Thursday.
Ruspitawati explained that the JN.1 variant is a derivative of the Omicron BA.2.86 subvariant. The symptoms that appear in this variant are the same as the other symptoms of COVID-19.
"This JN.1 variant is similar to other variants. However, it has distinctive characteristics, such as a white tongue on the patient," Ruspitawati revealed.
In addition, since JN.1 is a derivative of Omicron, the mortality rate is not high. She noted that the symptoms were not serious, but the transmission was faster.
Hence, the Jakarta provincial government continues to intensify COVID-19 vaccination for residents aged 18 years and over to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
Related news: Ministry discovers COVID-19 JN.1 variant in Jakarta, Batam: Official
This is in accordance with the Circular of the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (Dirjen P2P) of the Ministry of Health on December 11, 2023.
The public is highly recommended to immediately complete the COVID-19 vaccination up to the fourth dose.
Earlier, the Health Ministry had confirmed the discovery of JN.1 transmission in Jakarta and Batam City, Riau Islands Province.
According to the ministry's Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, the JN.1 case was also found in Batam on December 13, 2023.
The JN.1 variant of the coronavirus is reported to be closely related to the BA.2.86 variant, and it is feared to be affecting the transmission pattern and severity of COVID-19 in Indonesia.
Related news: Jakarta health service records 200 COVID-19 cases per day in a week
Translator: Siti Nurhaliza, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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