MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF JN.1 COVID CASE IN SVG

Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr Roger Duncan has confirmed the first case of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Making the announcement on NBC Radio today January 26, Dr Duncan said samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the presence of the variant was confirmed.

“As early as a week ago, I think, we had confirmation of the JN.1 case in a sample sent to CARPHA for sequencing,” he explained ,as he reminded the population to take precautionary measures.

“If you’re sick please stay home, don’t go to work, don’t ride the bus, don’t go to the supermarket, don’t go to church singing, clapping and shouting.”

Dr Duncan acknowledged that though it may be hard for some parents,children should not be sent to school if they are feeling sick.

He explained that the JN.1 variant is not new, it is simply a mutation of the COVID-19 which first began to affect SVG in 2020.

“It’s been changing its antigenic properties, it’s been trying to make itself more transmissible, which means the virus is going to live longer and survive better if it’s transmitted easily from person to person.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), described JN.1 to be “a variant of interest” which Dr Duncan explained that it simply represents a new mutation. He pointed out that it is still early to know about the properties of this mutation however, the JN.1 variant is proving to be more transmissible.

He therefore urged persons who may be at higher risk such as the elderly, children, and persons with pre-existing conditions to exercise caution as they may develop more severe symptoms.