Health

SARS-CoV-2’s sub-variant JN.1 discovered in HCM City

SARS-CoV-2’s sub-variant JN.1, a variant of concern, has been found in COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2023, according to Deputy Director of the city Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) Le Hong Nga.
SARS-CoV-2’s sub-variant JN.1 discovered in HCM City ảnh 1Illustrative photo (Photo: Nhandan.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – SARS-CoV-2’s sub-variant JN.1, a variant of concern, hasbeen found in COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Ho Chi Minh City in December2023, according to Deputy Director of the city Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) LeHong Nga.

An infectious disease surveillance group from the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU)found the sub-variant in December after analysing specimens of 16 patientspositive to SARS-CoV-2 treated at the city Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ngasaid at a conference on January 24.

The group said that 12 out of the 16 patients, or 75%, wereinfected with the JN.1 sub-variant, while one was infected with the JN.1.1variant, two with BA.2.86.1 and one with XDD.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified JN.1 as a sub-variantof BA.2.86 variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus, belonging to the groupof variants with concern.

Particularly, the group warned that the number ofhospitalised COVID-19 cases has been rising in the recent six weeks.

Statistics from the HCDC showed that from December 18, 2023to January 22, 2024, hospitals across the city received 94 COVID-19 cases, andno deaths were reported.

The Ministry of Health reported that last year, Vietnamrecorded 99,000 COVID-19 cases, down 82.4 times from that in 2022, with nodeaths. In the first two weeks of 2024, 419 cases were discovered.

Associate Pro. Dr. Duong Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the NationalInstitute of Hygiene and Epidemiology said that the institute has inventoried morethan 432,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines that will expire in lateSeptember 2024./.
VNA
#VietnamPlus #Vietnam News Agency #SARS-CoV-2’s sub-variant JN.1 #COVID-19 #Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

WHO chief representative: fight against COVID-19 not over yet

WHO chief representative: fight against COVID-19 not over yet

Chief Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt on January 6 warned that the fight against COVID-19 is not over yet as many people are getting infected, hospitalised, and dead in many countries around the world.
HCM City reports COVID-19 cases hike

HCM City reports COVID-19 cases hike

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported on January 24 that the city's infectious disease surveillance system has detected the emergence of sub-variant JN.1 of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in hospitalised patients in December last year in the locality.

See more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Duc Hung, Director of Viet Duc University Hospital, presents a token of appreciation in recognition of the noble gesture of the organ donor’s family. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

British teen’s organ donation saves three Vietnamese lives

A 19-year-old British tourist who died during a trip to Vietnam has saved the lives of three Vietnamese patients with end-stage organ failure, in a deeply moving act of compassion. The young woman is the first foreign national to donate organs in Vietnam.

A workshop at the One Health Summit, held in Lyon, France, from April 5 to 7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam backs global One Health commitments at Lyon summit

The MAE welcomed the French Government’s organisation of the One Health Summit, describing it as an important forum to advance global political commitments and strengthen international cooperation in preventing zoonotic diseases.

Ilustrative image (Photo: pngtree.com)

Vietnamese scientists unlock genetic insights into rare diseases

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and his research team conducted a project titled “Genetic mutation analysis in Vietnamese patients with selected rare diseases using whole-exome sequencing technology.” The project, implemented from 2022 to 2024, aims to clarify the genetic causes of these diseases within the Vietnamese population.

Health workers and residents perform mass wellness exercises, promoting healthy lifestyles in the community. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City targets modern, inclusive healthcare system

On April 5 alone, 58 hospitals and health centres conducted screening programmes across 64 wards and communes, with a focus on outlying areas. Beyond early detection, residents receive consultations, long-term health monitoring guidance, and access to specialised services locally.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, and delegates attend the programme. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Healthy lifestyles, disease prevention highlighted on national health day

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh emphasised the need for consistent and effective implementation of the resolution across the political system, with priorities including refining healthcare policies and institutions, strengthening preventive and grassroots healthcare networks, expanding population health management, promoting early detection, and improving school-based physical education and nutrition.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet (front row, fifth from left), together with delegates, participate in a walk after the launch of All People’s Health Day in Hanoi on April 5. (Photo: VNA)

All People’s Health Day promotes early disease prevention

The launch marked the first year the activity has been implemented in a coordinated manner nationwide. Members of the public were able to visit free screening areas, receive nutritional advice, participate in mass exercise performances, enjoy artistic programmes, and join a walk in response following the ceremony.

Volunteer young doctors are expected to provide free health screenings for around 10,000 residents (Photo: VNA)

Free cancer screening, health checks to benefit 10,000 people in Hanoi

Participants will receive comprehensive health checks through a streamlined one-stop process, including blood pressure measurement, height and weight assessment, BMI and cardiovascular risk evaluation, blood tests, general examinations and specialist consultations in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics, ophthalmology, ENT, dentistry and oncology. Rapid blood glucose testing and biochemical screening will also be conducted to detect diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Dr Du Tuan Quy from the Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City examines a patient with hand, foot and mouth disease. (Photo: VNA)

Over 25,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases posted in 3 months

In the first three months, more than 25,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been recorded nationwide. Of the total cases, around 18,000, or nearly 72%, were concentrated in southern provinces. The disease has primarily affected children aged between one and five.

Early cancer screening at Da Nang Hospital. (Photo: VNA)

AI boosts early detection of non-communicable diseases

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said NCDs pose a growing global challenge, accounting for over 70% of deaths worldwide, mainly from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. In Vietnam, the burden is rising rapidly, requiring urgent and sustained preventive strategies.