Latest news with #GISAID
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG 'Stratus' COVID-19 variant spreading fast: One unique symptom that distinguishes it from others
The world may have moved on from the harshest days of the pandemic, but the virus hasn't quite left the stage. A new Covid-19 variant, named XFG and nicknamed 'Stratus', is making headlines globally. With a noticeable rise in cases, which has been detected in 38 countries, experts are keeping a close watch. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially placed Stratus under its list of Variants Under Monitoring (VUM). What makes this variant different? How severe is it? And what symptoms are being observed so far? Here's all we need to know about the new variant. What is the Stratus (XFG) variant? Stratus is a recombinant subvariant of the Omicron lineage, meaning it's a blend formed when a person is infected with two different Covid strains at the same time. Specifically, Stratus is a hybrid of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, two other Omicron subvariants. Recombinant strains like this typically begin with the letter X, hence the name XFG. What sets Stratus apart is its mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it latch onto human cells. According to a Lancet report and data shared via the GISAID platform, this variant has been found in over 38 countries as of late June 2025, with nearly 1,648 genome sequences submitted globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Despite this spread, it's important to note: the WHO has assessed the global public health risk of Stratus as low, which means there's no current indication that it causes more severe illness than previous strains. Symptoms to know: Is Stratus showing new signs? What makes the Stratus variant stand out symptom-wise isn't how severe it is, but how subtly different it behaves. Much like earlier Omicron variants, symptoms are generally mild, especially in people who are vaccinated. However, one particular symptom is drawing attention, which is the hoarseness or a raspy voice. This symptom has emerged more frequently in Stratus cases than in other recent Covid variants. It's thought to be due to the way this variant targets the upper respiratory tract. Other mild symptoms observed include: Scratchy throat Nasal congestion Fatigue Low-grade fever Muscle aches But unlike earlier strains, loss of smell or taste is seen to be less common with Stratus. Still, symptoms can differ from one person to another. Testing remains key to confirming the infection. Spread and immune evasion : Why Stratus is under watch One of the reasons scientists are closely examining Stratus is its ability to bypass the immune system. The changes in its spike protein allow it to partially avoid antibodies from previous infections or vaccines. This is not proof that immunisations are ineffective; WHO verifies that current vaccines continue to protect against serious disease and hospitalisation, even with Stratus in circulation. However, the virus can still cause illnesses, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments. Caution is always wise, but panic isn't supported by current data.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
XFG 'Stratus' Covid-19 Variant Spreading Rapidly Worldwide: What We Know So Far
The new Covid-19 variant, known as XFG and nicknamed Stratus, is spreading rapidly across the globe. According to the World Health Organisation, XFG is one of the seven variants under monitoring. With a high transmission rate, XFG could become the next dominant variant worldwide. It is currently rapidly spreading across several countries in the South-East Asia Region. A significant increase in hospitalisation has also been reported. As of June 22, a total of 1,648 XFG genome sequences from 38 countries had been reported to the global database GISAID, which monitors Covid variants. XFG 'Stratus' Covid-19 variant: What we know so far The XFG variant is a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant. According to a Lancet report, it was first detected in Canada and harbours several spike mutations. The first sample of XFG was recorded on January 27. XFG is a recombinant sub-variant Recombinant variants are hybrid variants which emerge when a person is infected with two different Covid variants simultaneously. This leads to a mixing of genetic material, resulting in a new variant with characteristics from both strains. Recombinant variants are typically denoted with an "X" prefix. XFG has originated from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 covid variants. Is Stratus dangerous? Till now, there is no evidence that XFG can cause severe illness. Like most Omicron sub-variants, it appears to be associated with mild upper respiratory symptoms. The public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level, as per WHO's latest report. However, the Lancet study has mentioned that the XFG sub-variant has the potential to spread quickly and exhibits "strong immune evasion." This allows the virus to survive and spread easily as it can evade the body's natural defences. Is vaccination effective? As of June 25, XFG has been designated a variant under monitoring (VUM). "Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," mentions WHO. A 'variant under monitoring' signifies that the variant or subvariant needs prioritised attention. It is also determined whether the particular variant poses an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Stratus Update: How XFG is likely to become the next dominant Covid variant
A new Covid variant XFG, nicknamed 'Stratus', has been found in 38 countries. According to an expert, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50 per cent followed by Spain at 42 per cent, and the United Kingdom and United States with more than 30 per cent each read more The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 which the Who declared a variant under monitoring. Representational image/Pixabay Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid. This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed ' Stratus') and the World Health Organization (Who) designated it a 'variant under monitoring' in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000. A 'variant under monitoring' signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed 'Nimbus'), which the Who declared a variant under monitoring on May 23. Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds. Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide – but Stratus is edging closer. So, what do you need to know about Stratus or XFG? A recombinant variant XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name. While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us. Most commonly, this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of Covid infections across the world. XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where is XFG spreading? The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27. As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries ( GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7 per cent of the globally available sequences at the time. The advice for combating Covid remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Representational image/Pixabay This was a significant rise from 7.4 per cent four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9 per cent. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon. According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50 per cent, followed by Spain at 42 per cent, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30 per cent of cases. In Australia, as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6 per cent of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences, with 12 collected in the last 28 days, meaning it currently comprises approximately 5 per cent of sequences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The big questions When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions, including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet. Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to cause 'hoarseness' or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant. Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible. Will vaccines still work against XFG? Relatively frequent changes to the virus mean we have continued to update the Covid vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant. Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved Covid vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease. Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact that protection from Covid vaccines declines over time, Covid vaccines are offered regularly and recommended for those at the highest risk. One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low Covid vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the Who has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating Covid remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against Covid and other viral infections. Paul Griffin, Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Queensland This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
XFG could become the next dominant COVID variant. Here's what to know about 'Stratus'
Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed "Stratus") and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a "variant under monitoring" in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000. A "variant under monitoring" signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed "Nimbus"), which the WHO declared a variant under monitoring on May 23. Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds. Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide - but Stratus is edging closer. So what do you need to know about Stratus, or XFG? XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name. While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us. Most commonly this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world. XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1. The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27. As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries (GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7% of the globally available sequences at the time. This was a significant rise from 7.4% four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9%. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon. According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50%, followed by Spain at 42%, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30% of cases. In Australia as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6% of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences with 12 collected in the last 28 days meaning it currently comprises approximately 5% of sequences. When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet. Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to course "hoarseness" or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant. Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible. Relatively frequent changes to the virus means we have continued to update the COVID vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant. Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease. Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact protection from COVID vaccines declines over time, COVID vaccines are offered regularly, and recommended for those at the highest risk. One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low COVID vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with only 32.3% of people aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower. Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the WHO has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating COVID remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against COVID and other viral infections. Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed "Stratus") and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a "variant under monitoring" in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000. A "variant under monitoring" signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed "Nimbus"), which the WHO declared a variant under monitoring on May 23. Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds. Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide - but Stratus is edging closer. So what do you need to know about Stratus, or XFG? XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name. While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us. Most commonly this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world. XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1. The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27. As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries (GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7% of the globally available sequences at the time. This was a significant rise from 7.4% four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9%. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon. According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50%, followed by Spain at 42%, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30% of cases. In Australia as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6% of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences with 12 collected in the last 28 days meaning it currently comprises approximately 5% of sequences. When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet. Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to course "hoarseness" or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant. Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible. Relatively frequent changes to the virus means we have continued to update the COVID vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant. Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease. Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact protection from COVID vaccines declines over time, COVID vaccines are offered regularly, and recommended for those at the highest risk. One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low COVID vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with only 32.3% of people aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower. Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the WHO has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating COVID remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against COVID and other viral infections. Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed "Stratus") and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a "variant under monitoring" in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000. A "variant under monitoring" signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed "Nimbus"), which the WHO declared a variant under monitoring on May 23. Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds. Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide - but Stratus is edging closer. So what do you need to know about Stratus, or XFG? XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name. While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us. Most commonly this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world. XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1. The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27. As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries (GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7% of the globally available sequences at the time. This was a significant rise from 7.4% four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9%. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon. According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50%, followed by Spain at 42%, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30% of cases. In Australia as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6% of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences with 12 collected in the last 28 days meaning it currently comprises approximately 5% of sequences. When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet. Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to course "hoarseness" or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant. Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible. Relatively frequent changes to the virus means we have continued to update the COVID vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant. Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease. Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact protection from COVID vaccines declines over time, COVID vaccines are offered regularly, and recommended for those at the highest risk. One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low COVID vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with only 32.3% of people aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower. Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the WHO has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating COVID remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against COVID and other viral infections. Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed "Stratus") and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a "variant under monitoring" in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000. A "variant under monitoring" signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants. XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed "Nimbus"), which the WHO declared a variant under monitoring on May 23. Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds. Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide - but Stratus is edging closer. So what do you need to know about Stratus, or XFG? XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name. While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us. Most commonly this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of COVID infections across the world. XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies. Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1. The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27. As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries (GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7% of the globally available sequences at the time. This was a significant rise from 7.4% four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9%. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon. According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50%, followed by Spain at 42%, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30% of cases. In Australia as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6% of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences with 12 collected in the last 28 days meaning it currently comprises approximately 5% of sequences. When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet. Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to course "hoarseness" or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant. Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible. Relatively frequent changes to the virus means we have continued to update the COVID vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant. Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease. Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact protection from COVID vaccines declines over time, COVID vaccines are offered regularly, and recommended for those at the highest risk. One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low COVID vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with only 32.3% of people aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower. Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the WHO has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating COVID remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against COVID and other viral infections.
Epoch Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
21 States Across US Now Reporting COVID ‘Razor Throat' Variant
At least 21 states are reporting a COVID-19 variant that spread across China earlier this year, according to newly updated data provided by a private company. A map released by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID)
