New Covid-19 variant PJ.2.1: Is it more contagious? Symptoms, vaccine, spread explained

Résumé détaillé

Early laboratory findings suggest that it may bind more effectively to the ACE2 receptor, which the virus uses to enter human cells. However, there is currently no convincing…

A new Covid-19 variant has been the latest talk of the town, after cases were detected in some countries across the globe.

The first documented case of the PJ.2.1 variant was found in Ontario, Canada, in May this year. Coming from the lineage of the SARS-CoV-2, it was found to have multiple genetic changes rather than developing mutations over time.

Early laboratory findings suggest that it may bind more effectively to the ACE2 receptor, which the virus uses to enter human cells. However, there is currently no convincing evidence that PJ.2.1 causes more severe illness, higher hospitalisation rates or more deaths than other circulating Covid-19 variants.

The variant is being investigated, and some of the available findings are still preliminary.

According to the World Health Organisation, symptoms associated with PJ.2.1 may resemble those of the common cold or influenza.

However, two symptoms have particularly stood out, according to Russian infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova. These are severe sore throat and prolonged fatigue. Some reports suggest that the variant may cause a more intense throat infection than certain previous variants and that patients may experience tiredness that persists after the initial infection has improved.

It is important to know that symptoms alone cannot confirm whether a person has PJ.2.1. Testing is necessary to identify Covid-19, and genomic sequencing is needed to identify the particular variant.

After its initial detection in Canada, PJ.2.1 cases have been reported across US states, Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it is closely monitoring the emerging variant amid growing concern over its spread globally.

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