Rachel V Thomas

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New COVID-19 Variant PJ.2.1 Spreads Globally: WHO Says Symptoms Resemble Cold, Flu

A new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is spreading across several countries, according to reports citing the <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO).

The WHO said symptoms of the variant may resemble those of a <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/common-cold">common cold</a></span> or flu.

"Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can coincide. Thus, based on symptoms alone, it is impossible to determine with certainty which respiratory virus caused the infection," the WHO was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

The global health body said diagnostic testing may be important when identifying the virus could influence treatment decisions.

<h2>What Is The PJ.2.1 COVID-19 Variant?</h2>

PJ.2.1 belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary lineage, the virus that causes COVID-19. It has a highly mutated spike protein, the structure the virus uses to attach to human cells.

According to an October preprint study, which has not yet undergone peer review, the first confirmed sample of PJ.2.1 was detected on May 2, 2026, in Ontario, Canada. The variant was subsequently identified in other parts of Canada and, on June 30, in New York. Cases were later reported in several US states.

Its spread has also been reported in other countries, including Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. 

The researchers found that PJ.2.1 was less susceptible to inhibition by an antibody targeting the ACE2 receptor than other variants tested, suggesting increased ACE2 binding.

However, the variant did not show greater evasion of antibodies from people who had received an LP.8.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine compared with most other variants analysed.

The findings suggest that increased ACE2 binding, rather than greater antibody evasion, could be contributing to PJ.2.1's rapid spread.

Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with underlying chronic conditions remain at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.  

<h2>What Are The Symptoms Of The PJ.2.1 Coronavirus?</h2>

According to the WHO, possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

<ul><li>High fever</li><li>Cough</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Blocked or runny nose</li><li>Headache</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Severe fatigue</li></ul>

Some people may also experience digestive problems, shortness of breath or changes in their sense of smell and taste. These symptoms are not unique to COVID-19. Seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms.

The WHO emphasised that symptoms alone cannot reliably identify the virus responsible for an infection. Laboratory testing may be necessary when knowing the cause could affect treatment decisions.

Meanwhile, Russian infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova said PJ.2.1 may cause severe sore throat and more prolonged fatigue after recovery compared with some other variants.

<h2>Is PJ.2.1 More Dangerous Than Previous COVID-19 Variants?</h2>

A study published in the <em>Journal of Infection</em> examined the virological characteristics of PJ.2.1, including its ability to bind to the ACE2 receptor and evade antibodies.

Laboratory findings suggest that the variant may bind more effectively to ACE2, the receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. This could potentially contribute to its spread.

However, researchers did not find that PJ.2.1 was significantly better at evading antibodies from vaccinated individuals than most of the other variants tested.

Importantly, laboratory findings cannot establish whether a variant causes more severe disease in humans.

Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that PJ.2.1 infections are more likely to result in hospitalisation, severe complications or death.

The WHO continues to monitor emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Although there is no vaccine specifically designed for PJ.2.1, COVID-19 vaccination remains an important measure for reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic health conditions should consult their healthcare providers about recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

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A new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, is spreading across several countries, according to reports citing the World Health Organization (WHO).The WHO said symptoms of the variant may resemble those of a common cold or flu."Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can coincide. Thus, based on symptoms alone, it is impossible to determine with certainty which respiratory virus caused the infection," the WHO was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.The global health body said diagnostic testing may be important when identifying the virus could influence treatment decisions.What Is The PJ.2.1 COVID-19 Variant?PJ.2.1 belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary lineage, the virus that causes COVID-19. It has a highly mutated spike protein, the structure the virus uses to attach to human cells.According to an October preprint study, which has not yet undergone peer review, the first confirmed sample of PJ.2.1 was detected on May 2, 2026, in Ontario, Canada. The variant was subsequently identified in other parts of Canada and, on June 30, in New York. Cases were later reported in several US states.Its spread has also been reported in other countries, including Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The researchers found that PJ.2.1 was less susceptible to inhibition by an antibody targeting the ACE2 receptor than other variants tested, suggesting increased ACE2 binding.However, the variant did not show greater evasion of antibodies from people who had received an LP.8.1-adapted COVID-19 vaccine compared with most other variants analysed.The findings suggest that increased ACE2 binding, rather than greater antibody evasion, could be contributing to PJ.2.1's rapid spread.Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with underlying chronic conditions remain at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.  What Are The Symptoms Of The PJ.2.1 Coronavirus?According to the WHO, possible COVID-19 symptoms include:High feverCoughSore throatBlocked or runny noseHeadacheMuscle achesSevere fatigueSome people may also experience digestive problems, shortness of breath or changes in their sense of smell and taste. These symptoms are not unique to COVID-19. Seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms.The WHO emphasised that symptoms alone cannot reliably identify the virus responsible for an infection. Laboratory testing may be necessary when knowing the cause could affect treatment decisions.Meanwhile, Russian infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova said PJ.2.1 may cause severe sore throat and more prolonged fatigue after recovery compared with some other variants.  Is PJ.2.1 More Dangerous Than Previous COVID-19 Variants?A study published in the Journal of Infection examined the virological characteristics of PJ.2.1, including its ability to bind to the ACE2 receptor and evade antibodies.Laboratory findings suggest that the variant may bind more effectively to ACE2, the receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. This could potentially contribute to its spread.However, researchers did not find that PJ.2.1 was significantly better at evading antibodies from vaccinated individuals than most of the other variants tested.Importantly, laboratory findings cannot establish whether a variant causes more severe disease in humans.Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that PJ.2.1 infections are more likely to result in hospitalisation, severe complications or death.The WHO continues to monitor emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Although there is no vaccine specifically designed for PJ.2.1, COVID-19 vaccination remains an important measure for reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic health conditions should consult their healthcare providers about recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

new covid-19 variant pj.2.1 spreads globally: who says symptoms resemble cold, flu

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