The World Health Organisation is closely monitoring the PJ.2.1 Covid variant as cases emerge across several countries. Current data show no greater severity, while widespread transmission remains unconfirmed in India.A new SARS CoV2 variant called PJ.2.1 is turning up in many countries, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is monitoring it closely.

So far, there is no evidence that it makes people sicker than earlier versions.The variant was first identified in Ontario, Canada in May this year. Cases have since been reported in the US, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, France and Spain.

In the US, tracking of sewage samples suggests it is currently the fastest-growing variant there.Scientists are paying attention because of how much the virus has changed. PJ.2.1 is a heavily mutated descendant of an earlier lineage, Omicron, and the changes sit on the spike, the part of the virus that latches on to human cells.Variants with many such changes can be better at slipping past antibodies.

But not everyone agrees that the same is happening here. Some doctors say the variant is not thought to be better at evading the immune system.

An early study, not yet reviewed by other scientists, reports that it grips human cells more tightly.The full picture is still emerging. The WHO has also cautioned that symptoms may resemble a common cold or flu, so the infection cannot be identified by symptoms alone.

A routine test shows only whether someone has COVID-19. Confirming the variant itself needs specialised genetic testing.HOW SERIOUS IS IT?WHO officials say current laboratory and clinical data show no clear difference in severity compared with earlier variants.Doctors are urging calm.“I don’t think there’s a reason for unnecessary alarm,” said an infectious disease specialist.

Most cases are expected to be mild, but elderly and immunocompromised patients remain vulnerable to serious complications.WHAT ABOUT INDIAReports so far show no confirmed evidence of widespread transmission in India, and nothing suggesting that restrictions are needed. With the variant now in several regions, however, keeping a close watch on new cases and their genetic make-up will matter.For most people, the advice is familiar.Anyone with a persistent cough, fever or sore throat, especially older people and those with weak immunity, should get tested and keep away from vulnerable relatives until they know what they have.- Ends