Covid changes its face again. JN.1, the latest dominant variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, has been evolving for some time, giving rise to subvariants with additional mutations. One of these subvariants, nicknamed “Flirt”, is causing concern among experts as it is capable of spreading more quickly.
One subvariant in particular, called KP.2, has caught the attention of experts as it has surpassed its “mother” variant JN.1 in the United States. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 is now responsible for one in 4 infections, making up 24.9% compared to JN.1’s 22%.
Researchers have found that KP.2 is more transmissible and immunoevasive than its predecessors, including the XBB lineage. Despite being more transmissible, KP.2 has a lower infectivity compared to JN.1, suggesting different mechanisms or routes through which the new variant spreads.
The new variant also shows a significant immune escape capacity, making it more resistant to existing vaccines. This has raised concerns among experts about the implications for public health and vaccine development. Further research is needed to understand the full impact of this new variant.
The rapid emergence and diversification of the JN.1 variant and its KP.2 descendant highlight the need for continued monitoring and research to combat the evolving nature of the virus. Stay tuned for updates as scientists work to understand and combat the latest developments in the fight against Covid-19.