The World Health Organization does not yet have convincing scientific evidence that the new COVID-19 variant PJ.2.1 causes more severe illness than other circulating strains. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing the organisation.
“Since it was first detected in May 2026, this variant has spread across several continents, and as cross-border movement of people continues, the risk of it entering countries is only increasing,” the WHO stressed.
The organisation also clarified that PJ.2.1 remains a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 and should not be regarded as a separate disease.
