The Health Secretariat of Mato Grosso state has identified a new COVID-19 subvariant, JN 2.5, a variation of Omicron. “This is the first record of the subvariant in Brazil,” the officials noted.
The state’s central laboratory sequenced and identified the new subvariant from January 16 to 18. In all, four female patients tested positive for the new strain and were hospitalized.
Of these, three patients have been discharged, are stable, and remain in home confinement under municipal surveillance. The fourth patient had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and passed away.
“The [secretariat’s] surveillance team is still investigating the case. We cannot say the cause of death was COVID-19,” the department said in a statement.
The state government has urged the population to avoid panic and stay alert for flu-like symptoms. Guidelines also include wearing a mask in the event of a cold or flu and sanitizing hands with soap or 70 percent alcohol, as well as getting vaccinated against the disease.
In addition to Brazil, the JN 2.5 subvariant has also been identified in Canada, France, Poland, Spain, the US, Sweden, and the UK.
