Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

New COVID Variant PJ.2.1 Spreading Globally: Is India At Risk, Are There New Symptoms?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is back with a new variant. The deadly virus behind COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and a new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, has been detected in several countries. Its spread and spike protein mutations have raised questions about its potential to transmit, symptoms and severity.

However, doctors said there is currently no evidence that the variant causes more severe illness or significantly different symptoms. They stressed the need to strengthen genomic surveillance in India to track its possible circulation in the country.

<h2>PJ.2.1: Countries Reporting Cases</h2>

According to an October preprint study that has not yet undergone peer review, the first confirmed PJ.2.1 sample was detected on May 2, 2026, in Ontario, Canada.

The variant was subsequently identified in other parts of Canada and in New York on June 30. Cases were later reported in several US states.

It has also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/new-covid-19-variant-pj-2-1-spreads-globally-who-says-symptoms-resemble-cold-flu-article-156486031" data-type="tilCustomLink">New COVID-19 Variant PJ.2.1 Spreads Globally: WHO Says Symptoms Resemble Cold, Flu</a>

PJ.2.1 is a heavily mutated descendant of the <span>Omicron</span> family of SARS-CoV-2. It carries multiple mutations in its spike protein, which helps the virus enter human cells.

Dr Jatin Ahuja, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said the emergence of a new variant does not automatically indicate a change in India's overall COVID-19 situation.

"Continued genomic surveillance will help establish whether PJ.2.1 is circulating in the country. Authorities should also monitor infection patterns and any changes in hospitalisations," he told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

However, he stressed that "at present, there is no reason for undue concern. The focus should remain on monitoring developments and following routine precautions against respiratory infections".

<h2>What Do PJ.2.1's Mutations Mean?</h2>

Dr Ahuja said it is important to look beyond a variant's name or mutations and assess whether these changes affect how the virus spreads, evades existing immunity and causes illness.

"PJ.2.1 is worth monitoring because of changes in its spike protein, which plays a role in the virus entering human cells. These changes have raised questions about its ability to interact with human cells and potentially gain a transmission advantage," he said.

However, changes in the virus's behaviour at the cellular level do not necessarily translate into more severe illness in patients.

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/xfg-covid-variant-what-india-should-watch-as-cases-rise-in-uk-and-france-article-156297811" data-type="tilCustomLink">XFG COVID Variant: What India Should Watch As Cases Rise In UK And France</a>

 <h2>PJ.2.1: Are There New Symptoms?</h2>

Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to suggest that the variant causes more severe illness or produces distinctly different symptoms.

"People should watch for fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, and consider testing if they develop signs of infection," he told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

Dr Ahuja also said there is no established evidence that PJ.2.1 causes more severe COVID-19, increases the likelihood of hospitalisation or produces symptoms significantly different from those associated with earlier variants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said symptoms associated with the variant may resemble those of the 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.

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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, as 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.

<h2>PJ.2.1: How Can You Prevent Your Risk?</h2>

Dr Tayal recommended taking routine precautions, including wearing a well-fitted N95 mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, improving indoor ventilation and maintaining hand hygiene.

Older adults and people with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice promptly if they develop respiratory symptoms.

People should continue to take respiratory infections seriously. However, the emergence of PJ.2.1 should not be interpreted as an indication of another major COVID-19 outbreak. The experts noted that surveillance and clinical evidence, rather than speculation, should guide the response.

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The SARS-CoV-2 virus is back with a new variant. The deadly virus behind COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and a new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, has been detected in several countries. Its spread and spike protein mutations have raised questions about its potential to transmit, symptoms and severity.However, doctors said there is currently no evidence that the variant causes more severe illness or significantly different symptoms. They stressed the need to strengthen genomic surveillance in India to track its possible circulation in the country.PJ.2.1: Countries Reporting CasesAccording to an October preprint study that has not yet undergone peer review, the first confirmed PJ.2.1 sample was detected on May 2, 2026, in Ontario, Canada.The variant was subsequently identified in other parts of Canada and in New York on June 30. Cases were later reported in several US states.It has also been reported in Spain, France, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.PJ.2.1: Is India At Risk?Also read: New COVID-19 Variant PJ.2.1 Spreads Globally: WHO Says Symptoms Resemble Cold, FluPJ.2.1 is a heavily mutated descendant of the Omicron family of SARS-CoV-2. It carries multiple mutations in its spike protein, which helps the virus enter human cells.Dr Jatin Ahuja, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said the emergence of a new variant does not automatically indicate a change in India's overall COVID-19 situation."Continued genomic surveillance will help establish whether PJ.2.1 is circulating in the country. Authorities should also monitor infection patterns and any changes in hospitalisations," he told HealthandMe.However, he stressed that "at present, there is no reason for undue concern. The focus should remain on monitoring developments and following routine precautions against respiratory infections".What Do PJ.2.1's Mutations Mean?Dr Ahuja said it is important to look beyond a variant's name or mutations and assess whether these changes affect how the virus spreads, evades existing immunity and causes illness."PJ.2.1 is worth monitoring because of changes in its spike protein, which plays a role in the virus entering human cells. These changes have raised questions about its ability to interact with human cells and potentially gain a transmission advantage," he said.However, changes in the virus's behaviour at the cellular level do not necessarily translate into more severe illness in patients.Read More: XFG COVID Variant: What India Should Watch As Cases Rise In UK And France PJ.2.1: Are There New Symptoms?Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to suggest that the variant causes more severe illness or produces distinctly different symptoms."People should watch for fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms, and consider testing if they develop signs of infection," he told HealthandMe.Dr Ahuja also said there is no established evidence that PJ.2.1 causes more severe COVID-19, increases the likelihood of hospitalisation or produces symptoms significantly different from those associated with earlier variants.The World Health Organization (WHO) said symptoms associated with the variant may resemble those of the 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.   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, as 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.PJ.2.1: How Can You Prevent Your Risk?Dr Tayal recommended taking routine precautions, including wearing a well-fitted N95 mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, improving indoor ventilation and maintaining hand hygiene.Older adults and people with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice promptly if they develop respiratory symptoms.People should continue to take respiratory infections seriously. However, the emergence of PJ.2.1 should not be interpreted as an indication of another major COVID-19 outbreak. The experts noted that surveillance and clinical evidence, rather than speculation, should guide the response.

new covid variant pj.2.1 spreading globally: is india at risk, are there new symptoms?

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