The government's National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has expressed concern over the new Corona Jn.1 strain in Bangladesh.
The rapid growth of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1 during the winter season could emerge as a cause of illness in Bangladesh and beyond, public health authorities warn.
The timing concerns experts because JN.1 appears to be spreading efficiently in a period when coronavirus usually surges as people travel for the holidays.
Coronavirus is constantly evolving into forms that are more transmissible or more adept at infecting people who were vaccinated or previously infected.
In a press release signed by Professor Dr. Mohammad Sahidullah, President of the National Technical Advisory Committee, on Tuesday (January 2) at night, a new
strain of Corona Jn.1 has suddenly become a cause of fear. However, no one has been affected in this new type of subvariant JN.1 in Bangladesh so far.
Public health experts say that Omicron's type JN.1 is much more effective at avoiding the immune system. As a result, its infection rate is high. But the risk is low. Officials say there is no evidence that JN.1 poses a significant threat to public health due to more serious illnesses.
Meanwhile, according to the organization, this type can spread very quickly.
In the 65th meeting of the National Technical Advisory Committee related to Covid-19, the Committee gave a four-point advice, including the use of masks in all places including hospitals and clinics.
Masks are recommended as precautions in high-risk areas such as hospitals/medical centers and high-risk individuals—those with compromised immune systems. The committee feels that this will be helpful in preventing other health problems besides Covid-19 new infection Corona Jn.1.
IEDCR, the government's mandated agency, has been advised to review global reports and strengthen country surveillance to monitor the transmission situation. It has been recommended to make all preparations for rapid treatment including covid test and ICU if the infection increases in the future. Passengers arriving from abroad have been advised to prepare for screening.
It is recommended that decisions be made subject to regular scientific data analysis on the Covid vaccine. The World Health Organization advises high-risk individuals to receive the fourth dose of the vaccine.
The meeting discussed the need for covid testing before surgery or treatment for any other disease. The committee recommended testing for Covid only when symptoms of Covid are present.