New Covid variant PJ.2.1 spreads worldwide, posing lingering risk to vulnerable groups

A new Covid-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is spreading globally, highlighting the virus's ongoing threat nearly seven years after it emerged, though it does not appear more harmful than recent strains. The variant, identified in Canada in May, has spread rapidly across continents and now accounts for a greater proportion of cases. Global infections total about 780 million, with seven million deaths, though new cases have declined significantly. Experts advise against alarm, noting no evidence of increased severity, while vulnerable groups remain at risk. The variant binds more effectively to cells, and some patients may experience severe throat infections or prolonged fatigue.