Doctors and other medical experts in Kenya have discovered that a new Covid-19 variant called JN1 and Swine Flu are responsible for the new wave of respiratory diseases in the country.

According to the doctors, the JN1 has genetic mutations that makes the virus more transmissible and able to evade the immune system.

The health experts have disclosed that there is sufficient evidence linking the new wave of respiratory infections to the new variant JN1 and and Swine Flu.

According to research conducted on this variant, it indicated that it is mostly detected in water polluted areas.

The JN.1 is classified by the World Health Organization as a variant of interest, and was first reported in August 2023.

Most recently, a strain called JN.1 moved swiftly to become the most widely circulating variant in the United States, accounting for an estimated 83% to 88% of all circulating variants towards the end of January.

Surveillance data of positive SARS-Cov -2 (coronavirus ) samples were taken in the lake region.

The samples show that the country has detected an offshoot of the Omicron variant JN.1 as well as swine Flu

At the same time, Dr Shem Otoi, a researcher on Covid-19, said that the surge is not surprising as this has been observed before.

“When we look at past data from our modeling, the periodicity and seasonality of waves happening now could identify this period as a peak of Covid-19, only that this could be a mild one,” he said.

Dr Ahmed Kalebi, an independent consultant pathologist added that ,for the past two weeks many people are suffering from flu-like symptoms including cough, throat and chest pain and runny nose.

“These are signs and symptoms of an ongoing outbreak of viral respiratory infection. However, it is not unusual or unexpected as we are now in the flu season,” said Dr Kalebi.

He asked the Ministry of Health to share data more regularly and update the public with evidence to allay fears as well as to inform public on health measures.

Dr Kalebi also called on the public to be cautious—those with symptoms to stay away from others to minimize spread, wash hands frequently and practice hygiene.

In addition, Sultani Matendechero, the deputy director-general for health at the Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, said that surveillance in the country shows that Covid-19 infections are still on the decline, but urged the public to go for boosters.

“We still have the Covid-19 vaccine and people should take advantage of it. Covid-19 is still being transmitted,” he said