JN.1 COVID-19 variant claims 4 lives in Iloilo province

The new strain of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) claimed four lives in the province of Iloilo, according to the Department of Health (DOH-6).

Based on data from DOH-6, the province recorded 88 cases of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant, including four deaths, from November 2023 to January 19, 2024.

According to Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, those who died were all immune-compromised.

“The oldest death was 87 years old, and the youngest was less than a year old. The two others in their adult stage have underlying conditions,” she said.

Quiñon urged the public, especially senior citizens, children and immunocompromised persons, to continue observing health protocols such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing and washing/disinfecting of hands.

“If possible, don’t get exposed in crowded areas and enclosed spaces,” she added.

Currently, the province has 300 active COVID-19 infections.IMT