The new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, does not pose a particular danger at this stage, but its international spread requires surveillance, according to Riadh Daghfous, Director General of Tunisia's National Center for Pharmacovigilance. He made these comments on November 10, 2026, during an interview on Jawhara FM. Daghfous stated that the variant is currently spreading similarly to previous ones.
In Tunisia, the number of COVID-19 cases linked to various variants remains limited, and the overall health situation is stable, Daghfous assured. However, he called for vigilance, noting that COVID-19 symptoms and those of seasonal respiratory infections have become difficult to distinguish. He recommended adhering to preventive measures to minimize contamination risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned about the possible confusion between the new PJ.2.1 variant, the common cold, and flu. Different respiratory viruses can cause similar symptoms, making testing necessary in some cases to identify the infection source and adapt treatment. The PJ.2.1 variant first appeared in June 2026 and is being tracked internationally, with cases reported in around 20 countries.
Countries where cases of the PJ.2.1 variant have been detected include the United States, China, France, Sweden, Spain, and Singapore. The WHO is monitoring the variant's potential for global circulation. Meanwhile, Tunisian health authorities are urging citizens not to neglect preventive measures during the cold season, when respiratory infections spread more easily.
Daghfous also addressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccine side effects, specifically denying a link between the vaccines and memory problems. He stated that reported memory issues are likely related to the infection itself, rather than the vaccine. He expressed regret that fears during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign led some people to avoid the seasonal flu vaccine as well.
As respiratory infections circulate more during the cold season, health authorities stress the importance of not confusing the decrease in COVID-19 cases with the disappearance of contamination risk. They advise the public to continue taking preventive measures and not to become complacent.
The health authorities' cautious approach aims to prevent a potential surge in cases and ensure that the public remains informed and prepared. By continuing to monitor the situation and provide guidance, they hope to minimize the impact of the new variant and maintain the country's stable health situation.
Key points
- The new COVID-19 variant, PJ.2.1, has been detected in several countries worldwide, including the United States, China, and France.
- Tunisian health authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to minimize contamination risks.
- The World Health Organization is monitoring the variant's potential for global circulation and warning about possible confusion with other respiratory infections.
