Fenit Nirappil,

Washington, D.C. Reporter covering health care Education: Northwestern University, BS in journalism and political science. ; American University, MSJ in journalism. Fenit Nirappil is a reporter for the Health & Science team who covers public health, infectious diseases and LGBTQ issues. He joined the team in 2020 to cover the coronavirus pandemic. He previously spent five years on the local politics team covering D.C. government and politics, Virginia elections and government accountability.

54%

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

75%

Examples:

  • Critics argue that covid should not be treated like other respiratory viruses because it currently hospitalizes and kills more people than flu.
  • The article presents a one-sided view of the issue without providing any counterarguments or alternative perspectives.
  • The new guidance would bring covid-19 in line with recommendations for other respiratory viruses.

Conflicts of Interest

50%

Examples:

  • Dr. Mandy Cohen stating that JN.1 is especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
  • The CDC’s proposed changes scare her.

Contradictions

85%

Examples:

  • JN.1, the new dominant variant, appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
  • People with compromised immune systems worry that co-workers will return to the office while they’re still contagious.

Deceptions

30%

Examples:

  • Another covid wave hits U.S.’ without providing any context on what is causing the surge in cases, leading readers to believe it is due to natural causes rather than a new variant of the virus.
  • The article quotes Dr. Mandy Cohen stating that JN.1 is especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected but fails to mention that this variant has also caused breakthroughs among people who are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.

Recent Articles

New Covid-19 Variant KP.2 Accounts for 30% of New Infections in US: What It Means and How to Stay Protected

New Covid-19 Variant KP.2 Accounts for 30% of New Infections in US: What It Means and How to Stay Protected

Broke On: Thursday, 23 May 2024 A new Covid-19 variant, KP.2, now accounts for 30% of new infections in the US and is part of the Omicron family. The CDC advises immunocompromised individuals and the elderly to stay vigilant as cases rise, but there's a lack of federal pressure to limit transmission or declare a surge. Experts urge everyone to stay updated with vaccinations and boosters, yet public focus on other issues may lead to complacency.
JN.1: The Latest COVID-19 Variant to Gain Attention in the US

JN.1: The Latest COVID-19 Variant to Gain Attention in the US

Broke On: Friday, 05 January 2024 JN.1, a new variant of COVID-19 that makes up an estimated 40% to 50% of circulating variants in the US as of December 23rd, is gaining attention due to its ability to infect vaccinated or previously infected individuals more easily than some other strains. Despite this, there is currently no evidence that JN.1 causes different symptoms from other variants and existing vaccines still work well against it. It's important for individuals and healthcare systems to stay vigilant and continue following public health guidelines.