{
  "id": 18896988,
  "title": "New Covid-19 strain PJ.2.1 may mimic cold or flu symptoms – WHO",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/new-covid-19-strain-pj-2-1-may-mimic-cold-or-flu-symptoms-who",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-08T08:29:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/11/1573374/new-covid-19-strain-pj21-may-mimic-cold-or-flu-symptoms-%E2%80%93-who"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Moscow - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the new Covid-19 strain PJ.2.1 may present symptoms akin to a common cold or flu. The organisation stressed the need for testing in such cases as symptoms alone cannot definitively identify the virus responsible for the infection. This difficulty arises because symptoms of Covid-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses can overlap, making it challenging to ascertain the exact cause based solely on the signs and symptoms displayed by the patient.\n\nIn light of this, the WHO's Russian office has indicated that the risk of the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 spreading across the globe is on the rise. Furthermore, they have emphasized their ongoing monitoring of the strain's spread. A virologist and infectious disease specialist, Doctor of Medical Sciences Elena Malinnikova, offered further insight when she suggested that a severe sore throat and an extended period of fatigue following illness could serve as indicators that the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 is distinct from other variants.",
  "summary": "MOSCOW: Symptoms of the new Covid-19 strain PJ.2.1 may be similar to those of a cold or flu, and testing is necessary, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Covid-19 strain PJ.2.1 may mimic cold or flu symptoms",
    "WHO urges testing as symptoms alone cannot identify the virus",
    "Severe sore throat and extended fatigue may indicate distinct strain"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "World : New COVID-19 Strain Pj.2.1 May Mimic Cold Or Flu Symptoms – WHO",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/world-new-covid-19-strain-pj-2-1-may-mimic-cold-or-flu-symptoms-a-who",
        "published": "2026-11-08T06:48:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}