As global concerns escalate over the emergence of the new COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, health experts in the Philippines have heightened their vigilance, acknowledging the potential threat it poses to public health.

The subvariant has already shown its impact in the United States and various other countries, it was reported.

JN.1’s possible entry to the Philippines has prompted local authorities to intensify monitoring efforts to prevent potential surges in respiratory-related illnesses within the country.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, President of the Philippine College of Physicians, has issued a call for close monitoring and proactive measures against this new subvariant.

“I believe there is a need to monitor this. I am not yet aware that it has been detected in our surveillance. However, since it is already in our neighboring countries and we have yet to impose travel restrictions, we might have to face it in due time,” said Solante in a radio interview on Wednesday (December 20).

An infectious disease specialist, Solante explained that there remains no evidence that JN.1 has the characteristics that could trigger severe infections in human.

Solante said there remains no need to worry, even a move to revise COVID-19 protocols as increased hospitalization or mortality are not expected to be triggered by JN.1.

It will be recalled that the World Health Organization had classified this variation of coronavirus as a “variant of interest” that cannot be considered a serious threat to public health.

However, The subvariant JN.1, characterized by specific mutations in the COVID-19 virus, has raised concerns among health authorities due to its potential for increased transmissibility or resistance to existing vaccines and treatments.

As a result, health experts emphasize the importance of continued adherence to preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and vaccination to curb the spread of the virus and its variants.

Government health agencies have affirmed their commitment to closely monitor developments related to the JN.1 subvariant.