The past two years have been a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, and just when the world thought the situation of Coronavirus pandemic was under control, a new variant, JN.1, has surfaced. This article aims to dissect the symptoms, causes, and implications of JN.1, the new strain of COVID-19. What is JN.1? How Does it Affect People? JN.1, an Omicron subvariant, surfaced in September last year amid declining temperatures, showing heightened transmission rates. Stemming from BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola), JN.1 possesses an additional spike protein mutation crucial for SARS-CoV-2 cell interaction.  The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI), distinct from its precursor BA.2.86, due to its rapid spread. Recently identified in the United States, close monitoring is essential to comprehend and address the dynamics of this evolving COVID-19 variant. The rise in JN.1 cases aligns with a general surge in COVID-19 infections. Symptoms of JN.1 infection closely resemble those of earlier Omicron variants, with no apparent increase in severity. While there are hints of potential increased diarrhoea cases, concrete data supporting this observation is currently lacking. Continuous monitoring is essential to better understand the characteristics of this variant.  Read more: Bangladesh reports 53 more Covid-19 cases in 24hrs Is JN.1 More Transmissible? JN.1, a descendant in the Omicron lineage, appears to be more transmissible than its precursor, BA.2.86. The observed surge in case numbers indicates increased transmissibility. Several newer variants, including JN.1, exhibit mutations affecting the spike protein's binding strength to respiratory cells, potentially enhancing replication and immune evasion.  While it remains early to precisely gauge JN.1's transmissibility and immune escape compared to other Omicron variants, experts assert its notable virulence. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic notes that the current strain seems to deliver a more potent impact than its predecessors.  Who is at High Risk of Infection?  Certain groups face a higher risk of contracting the easily transmissible virus. These include: - People aged 65 and above- Diabetic people- People with neurological disorders- People who have pre-existing health conditions like COPD, heart diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cystic fibrosis, and individuals suffering from liver ailments- Pregnant women- Smokers- People with a compromised or weak immune system- Healthcare workers- People who are not vaccinated or have not taken booster shots. Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 35 more cases in 24hrs What are the Symptoms and Causes of the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant? JN.1's increasing prevalence implies heightened contagiousness or improved evasion of immune defences, as per the CDC. Currently, there is no evidence indicating it induces more severe disease than other strains, despite potential transmission spikes. Symptoms associated with JN.1 seem comparable to those induced by other strains, encompassing a range such as  - Sore throat- Congestion- Runny nose- Cough- Fatigue- Headache- Muscle aches- Fever or chills- Loss of sense of taste or smell- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing- Nausea or vomiting- Diarrhoea The nature and intensity of symptoms typically rely more on an individual's overall health and immune condition rather than the specific variant causing the infection.  Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs

Bangladesh reported one more COVID-19-linked death and 30 fresh cases in 24 hours till Monday (January 22, 2024) morning. With the new numbers, the country's total fatalities rose to 29,481 and caseload to 2,046,788, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The daily case test positivity rate stood at 5.14 per cent as 584 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Read more: COVID-19: New variant 'JN.1' detected in Bangladesh The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.41 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively. Earlier on Thursday, Professor Tahmina Shireen, director of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said they found a new variant of the coronavirus, 'JN.1' in test samples of five patients. Read more: Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases

Bangladesh reported 15 more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Saturday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,038,315 according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,446 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity increased to 2.96 percent from Friday’s 2.18 percent as 507 samples were tested. The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.41 percent and 1.44 percent, respectively. Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.  

Bangladesh registered thirteen more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,038,174, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,446 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity dropped to 0.66 percent from Monday's 1.55 percent as 1969 samples were tested. Also read: Bangladesh records 9 more Covid cases However, the recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.40 percent and 1.44 percent, respectively. Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.  

The total number of recorded Covid-19 cases around the world has now surpassed 683 million. According to the latest global data, the total Covid-19 case count is 683,393,282, while the death toll reached 6,827,486 this morning. The US has reported 106,109,844 Covid-19 cases so far, while 1,153,816 people have died from the virus in the country — both highest counts globally. India logged 1,890 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 149 days, while the active cases increased to 9,433, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. Read: Covid-19 survivors are at high risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases: Study The country recorded 2,208 cases in a single day on October 28 last year. The death count has increased to 530,831 with seven deaths. According to the ministry data, the Covid-19 case tally was recorded at 44,704,147. Meanwhile, France and Germany have registered 39,758,771 and 38,338,298 Covid-19 cases so far, occupying the third and fourth positions in the world number-wise, and 165,534 and 170,493 people have died in the European countries, as per Worldometer. Read More: China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh Bangladesh reported seven more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Monday (March 27, 2023) morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,038,008, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, the official death toll from Covid-19 remained unchanged at 29,445 as no new fatalities were reported in Bangladesh. Read More: Ignoring experts, China's sudden zero-COVID exit cost lives

A former Russian Orthodox monk, who denied that the coronavirus existed and defied the Kremlin, was handed a seven-year prison sentence Friday. Nikolai Romanov, 67, who was known as Father Sergiy until his excommunication by the Russian Orthodox Church, urged his followers to disobey the Russian government's lockdown measures and spread conspiracy theories about a global plot to control the masses. A court in Moscow convicted him of inciting hatred. His lawyer immediately announced plans to appeal. Romanov served as a police officer during Soviet times, but after quitting the ranks was convicted of murder, robbery and assault and sentenced to 13 years in prison. He became a monk after his release. When the coronavirus pandemic began, he denied its existence and denounced government efforts to stem the pandemic as “Satan’s electronic camp.” He spread long-debunked conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and described the vaccines developed against the virus as part of a global plot to control the masses via microchips. The monk chastised President Vladimir Putin as a “traitor to the Motherland” who was serving a Satanic “world government,” and denounced the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, and other top clerics as “heretics” who must be “thrown out.” Read more: China's Xi faces public anger over draconian 'zero COVID' Romanov urged followers to disobey the government’s lockdown measures and holed up at a monastery near Yekaterinburg that he founded. He had dozens of burly military veterans enforce his rules while the prioress and several nuns left. The Russian Orthodox Church stripped Romanov of his abbot’s rank for breaking monastic rules and later excommunicated him, but he rejected the rulings. Facing stiff resistance by hundreds of his supporters, church officials and local authorities hesitated for months until finally moving to evict Romanov and detain him. Romanov has been in custody since his arrest in December 2020. In November 2021, he was given a 3½-year sentence after being convicted of inciting suicidal actions through sermons in which he urged believers to “die for Russia,” and breaching freedom of conscience, accusations he denied. The seven-year sentence will run concurrently with the previous sentence.  

Bangladesh reported 13 more Covid-19 cases in 24 hours till Tuesday morning. With the new number, the country's total caseload rose to 2,037,469, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Read more: US proposes once-a-year COVID shots for most Americans However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,441 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity dropped to 0.49 percent from Monday’s 0.56 percent as 2,657 samples were tested. The mortality rate remained unchanged at 1.44 percent while the recovery rate rose to 97.74 percent. Read more: Covid-19: Bangladesh logs 11 more cases, zero death Bangladesh reported its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and daily fatalities of 264 on August 5 of the same year.

Sonamsjid land port authorities have taken additional cautionary measures to prevent the spread of Omicron BF.7, a new sub-variant of Covid-19. Following the instruction of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) some additional measures have been taken to prevent the new sub-variant of Covid-19, said Dr. SM Mahmudur Rashid, civil surgeon of Chapainawabganj. Indian truck drivers and their helpers are being allowed to enter the country through the border after health screening, he added. Besides, the members of the medical teams are doing their routine works at the port, Rashid said. Earlier on Sunday, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued an alert at airports, land ports and seaports as the new sub-variant BF.7 of Omicron was detected in China and India. It also asked the authorities concerned to take steps so that people, coming from those countries, go through tests and digital thermal scanner and thermometer are used at the entry points of the country. Meanwhile, four returnees from China were sent to isolation after they tested positive for Covid-19 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka Monday (December 26) afternoon.      

Bangladesh reported 19 more Covid cases in 24 hours till Tuesday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,036,967, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Read more: Govt starts administering 2nd booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine in Bangladesh However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,438 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity dropped to 0.75 percent from Monday’s 0.85 percent percent as 2,354 samples were tested during the period. The mortality rate and the recovery rate remained unchanged at 1.45 percent and at 97.54 percent, respectively. Read more: Bangladesh built fast response capabilities for influenza, other respiratory infection using lessons learned from Covid-19: WHO In November, the country reported 10 Covid-linked deaths and 1,345 cases. Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and daily fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.

Bangladesh reported 20 more Covid cases in 24 hours till Tuesday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,036,845, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Read more: China students return home amid COVID travel spread fears However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,437 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity rose to 0.69 percent from Monday's 0.64 percent as 2,895 samples were tested during the period. The mortality and recovery rates remained unchanged at 1.45 percent and 97.53 percent, respectively. Read more: Covid-19: Bangladesh reports another death, 19 cases In November, the country reported 10 Covid-linked deaths and 1,345 cases. Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 last year and daily fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.