The World Health Organization has warned that a new type of COVID-19 virus called BJ.2.1, which was detected in Canada in May 2026, is now spreading rapidly across the world.
However, compared with the coronavirus variants that have spread so far, it is said that it has not been confirmed to cause severe effects among people.
So far, the information known about BJ.2.1 does not appear alarming, but people are advised to remain vigilant.
Spreading rapidly!
The first concern is that, among all the viruses identified so far, this virus spreads the fastest, and within just a few months of being detected, it has spread to several continents.
That is, it has been confirmed that this type of virus has spread across many parts of North America, as well as to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, France, and Spain.
In Spain, signs have been found that this virus is continuing to spread among local people in various regions. It has also been reported that in the United States, this type of virus is spreading very rapidly.
As the new variant of the COVID-19 virus is currently spreading across the world, there is extensive discussion about its symptoms, mode of transmission, severity, and the precautions that should be taken.
The World Health Organization says that the risk of this virus, known as BJ.2.1, spreading worldwide is increasing, and that international travel by people is said to be a contributing factor.
Compared with the previously circulating LP.8.1 variant, the BJ.2.1 variant has been shown to penetrate cells more easily. However, this has not been confirmed as the reason why this virus spreads so rapidly. Even though it spreads very quickly, the reassuring news is that it has not been identified as a highly dangerous virus.
What are the symptoms?
Compared with other types of coronavirus, doctors have reportedly said that people infected with this BJ.2.1 variant experience severe sore throat, and that dizziness is a new symptom not seen with other viruses and lasts for a long time.
Moreover, it has been stated that its symptoms are the same as those of a common fever, sore throat, cough, cold, nasal congestion, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain.
Is it very dangerous?
So far, the answer is no. According to data as of Nov. 8, it is said that those infected by this virus have not developed severe illness requiring hospitalization.
At present, it has been identified as a virus of concern and is being kept under surveillance.
Precaution!
All the measures already taken to protect oneself from the coronavirus also apply to this.
