Latest news with #Omicron
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
All about the 'Nimbus' and 'Stratus', the new COVID variants monitored closely by WHO
COVID-19 might not dominate the headlines anymore, but that doesn't mean it has stopped evolving. In fact, behind the scenes, scientists are closely tracking several offshoots of the Omicron variant. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Two of those, unofficially nicknamed Nimbus and Stratus, are now on the radar for their quick global spread and potential to evade immunity. Here's a closer look at what we know so far. Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) First spotted in early 2025, NB.1.8.1, or 'Nimbus', has made its presence felt quickly. It is currently listed as a 'variant under monitoring' (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO), - meaning they may require prioritised attention and tracking by health authorities due to their increased prevalence and potential public health implications. By late April, it had jumped from 2.5% to over 11% of all sequenced COVID-19 cases, especially across parts of Asia and the Western Pacific. Further, as per TODAY, 43% of cases in the U.S. are driven by this variant. Nimbus is part of the Omicron family, and it's a recombinant virus — a mash-up of different viral lineages that combined genetic material. It descends from a complex mix involving XDV, which itself was formed by blending JN.1 and another hybrid known as XDE. Symptoms of Nimbus According to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (Gavi), the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant include: runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat. Additionally, people also might feel a razor blade sensation in the throat, which is the defining symptom for this variant, and gastrointestinal symptoms, including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, constipation, and stomach pain. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As of July 9, test positivity is at 3.1%, 0.1% higher than the previous week, according to the . The World Health Organization (WHO), in its May 23 evaluation, stated there's no current evidence that Nimbus is more dangerous than the other Omicron subvariants circulating today. Further, it also states that the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to be effective against this variant. Stratus (XFG) First detected in Canada, Stratus (XFG) it's already made significant jumps into Europe and India. By late May, it was behind a quarter of new cases in parts of Europe, overtaking even Nimbus. Stratus, too, has been classified by the WHO as 'Variant under Monitoring'. Stratus is also a recombinant. It formed when two earlier variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, crossed paths and exchanged genetic code. Like most of its Omicron cousins, it spreads quickly, prefers the upper respiratory tract, and seems less likely to lead to severe illness. According to the current available data, symptoms of XFG are similar to those of other Omicron sub-variants which are typically mild upper respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of the XFG People infected with the XFG subvariant have reported a range of symptoms including: chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and body aches, diarrhea, and in some cases, a loss of taste or smell. What sets XFG slightly apart, according to early reports, is one more noticeable symptom: hoarseness. Several individuals have described a rough or raspy voice, which may serve as a subtle clue when trying to distinguish this variant from other circulating strains.
NDTV
10 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Covid-19 Summer Wave In The US: 25 States See Significant Increase In Cases, Reports CDC
From Florida to Texas, a total of 25 US states are witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 8, 2025, Covid-19 infections are growing or are likely to grow in 25 states, signalling the onset of a "summer wave." The CDC has attributed this resurgence of Covid-19 infections to fading immunity and emergence of new covid variants. According to a Johns Hopkins report, several virological, behavioural, and environmental factors drive summer Covid-19 waves. Additionally, human behaviours like increased use of air-conditioners, frequent social gatherings and travelling during the summer holidays also trigger transmission of the virus. New Covid-19 variants driving 2025 summer wave An uptick in Covid-19 cases in 25 US states has been linked to the rapid circulation of new covid sub-variants - XFG and NB.1.8.1. About NB.1.8.1 and XFG 'Nimbus,' scientifically known as NB.1.8.1, is an Omicron sub-variant. It is known to cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory symptoms. However, the variant gained attention due to its distinctive and extremely painful sore throat symptoms. Most infected individuals have described the severity of the throat pain as "razor blade throat". According CDC, Nimbus accounted for approximately 37% of US cases within two weeks as of June 7. The NB.1.8.1 sub-variant does not cause serious illness. However, it appears to be highly transmissible. XFG 'stratus' covid variant XFG Covid-19 variant (nicknamed Stratus) is spreading rapidly across the globe. The World Health Organisation has designated XFG as a 'Variant Under Monitoring,' which means that the variant or sub-variant needs prioritised attention. Several reports suggest that XFG could become the next dominant variant worldwide. XFG is also a descendant of the Omicron family. Some infected individuals have also reported hoarseness or a rough, raspy voice. Other than these distinct symptoms, both XFG and NB.1.8.1 are likely to cause omicron-like symptoms, including congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, loss of appetite and muscle aches. Less common symptoms include diarrhea and nausea. 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.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
'Stratus' Covid-19 Variant: Unique Signs And Symptoms Of The XFG Strain
Nicknamed 'Stratus,' the XFG strain has been spreading rapidly across several countries in the South-East Asia Region. Despite an uptick in illness, the World Health Organisation considers the overall public health risk from XFG to be low and has classified it as a 'variant under monitoring.' However, with a sharp rise in hospitalisation and high transmission rate, XFG could become the next dominant variant worldwide. A WHO report has also confirmed that this variant does not lead to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation. What are the symptoms of XFG? According to the current available data, symptoms of XFG are similar to those of other Omicron sub-variants which are typically mild upper respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of the XFG Covid-19 variant: Fever Chills Shortness of breath Sore throat Fatigue Headache Nausea Vomiting Fatigue Muscle and body ache Loss of taste and smell Diarrhea Unique symptom of the XFG Covid-19 variant Some reports suggest that infected individuals have also reported hoarseness or a rough, raspy voice. This distinct symptom can help differentiate XFH from other Omicron sub-variants. About XFG 'Stratus' Covid-19 variant XFG is a recombinant variant, originating from two variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. XFG belongs to the Omicron family. Experts across the world have highlighted that XFG may cause mild illness, however, individuals with pre-existing health conditions and those with compromised immunity may experience severe illness. Stratus has been reported in 38 countries so far. 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.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
New Covid-19 XFG strain spreads rapidly, infecting 23 in Thailand; South-East Asia on alert
Image from The Nation Thailand/ANN BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): The new Covid-19 strain XFG is spreading rapidly, with 23 confirmed cases in Thailand, the Department of Medical Sciences reported late on Saturday. Yongyos Thammawut, the department's director-general, made the announcement following the World Health Organisation's designation of the XFG variant as a 'variant under monitoring' on June 25, due to its high transmissibility and increased ability to evade immunity. According to media reports, the recent development has also put the neighbouring countries in South-East Asia on alert. However, Yongyos noted that there is currently no evidence indicating that XFG causes more severe symptoms than other variants. XFG is a sub-lineage of Omicron, resulting from a recombination of strains LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. It was first detected on January 27. 'The variant has additional mutations on the spike protein, which may enhance its transmissibility and immune evasion,' he explained. Yongyos added that the global prevalence of XFG is steadily increasing, although the NB.1.8.1 strain remains the dominant variant worldwide despite a declining trend. In Thailand, the XFG strain was first detected in April. As of now, 23 cases have been reported. - The Nation Thailand/ANN
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
New Covid Variant XFG Explained: Symptoms, Spread & Safety Tips You Need To Know
Last Updated: Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. Though India's Covid response offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies As India navigates a post-Covid world, a new Omicron subvariant, XFG ('Stratus"), is raising concerns with its rapid spread and immune-evasive traits. First detected in Canada, XFG has reached 38 countries, including India, where it accounts for a growing share of cases. With India's active Covid-19 cases at 7,000 as of June 2025, per the Union Health Ministry, let's examine XFG's characteristics, India-specific data, and how the nation can prepare for this and future pandemics, drawing lessons from long Covid. What Is The XFG Variant? XFG, a recombinant subvariant of Omicron, emerges from the fusion of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 strains, formed when two variants infect a person simultaneously, mixing genetic material. A Lancet study highlights four key spike protein mutations—His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile—enabling 'strong immune evasion," allowing XFG to bypass antibodies from prior infections or vaccines. Globally, XFG accounts for 22.7% of sequenced cases as of June 2025, up from 7.4% a month earlier, per GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data), and may soon dominate over NB.1.8.1 ('Nimbus"), per The Conversation. In India, it's the dominant strain in Madhya Pradesh, with 63.6% of sequenced samples, per AIIMS Bhopal. Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, XFG uniquely causes hoarseness—a scratchy or raspy voice—reported by doctors as a key marker, per Everyday Health. Unlike JN.1, which caused low-grade fever and digestive issues, XFG's symptoms are mild to moderate, with no evidence of increased severity or hospitalisation rates, per WHO. Current vaccines, targeting JN.1, remain effective against severe disease, and antivirals like Paxlovid and remdesivir work, per Time. How Many XFG Cases Have India Reported? India has reported 206 XFG cases as of June 11, per INSACOG, with Maharashtra leading at 89 cases, followed by West Bengal (49), Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (6 each), Odisha (4), Puducherry (3), Delhi, Rajasthan, and Punjab (2 each), and Telangana and Haryana (1 each), per The Hindu. Of these, 159 cases were detected in May, with two each in April and June, indicating a rapid rise. India's active Covid-19 cases reached 7,000 by June 11, with Kerala reporting the highest active cases (2,200), followed by Gujarat (1,223) and Delhi (757). A 2024 ICMR survey notes 66% of respiratory viral infections in India are Covid-related, but hospitalisations remain low, News18 reported. AIIMS Bhopal's genomic analysis of 44 samples from May-June found XFG dominant in 28 (63.6%), with no NB.1.8.1 detected in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting regional variation. Dr Rajiv Behl, ICMR Director General, stresses XFG's low severity but urges vigilance for vulnerable groups—those over 70 or with comorbidities. Why XFG Matters To India India's 1.4 billion population and $3 trillion economy face significant risks from new variants. Long Covid, affecting 7% of India's 44 million Covid cases (3 million people), costs 1% of GDP annually, per a 2024 NITI Aayog estimate, with 40% reporting fatigue and 25% brain fog. XFG's immune evasion could exacerbate this. Rural areas, with only 10% of health centres offering post-Covid care, face worse outcomes, per The Indian Express. A 2024 Times of India poll shows only 25% of Indians know about long Covid, limiting XFG awareness. Vaccine hesitancy, at 30% in rural India, and low Omicron-specific booster uptake (18%) weaken defences, per ICMR 2024. With 74 Covid deaths in 2025, mostly among the elderly and immunocompromised, XFG's spread threatens vulnerable groups. How India Should Prepare India's Covid response—2.2 billion vaccine doses by 2025—offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies: Enhanced Genomic Surveillance: INSACOG's 54 labs must expand sequencing, as only 0.1% of cases are sequenced, per The Hindu. AIIMS Bhopal's model, detecting XFG in 63.6% of samples, shows the value of regional labs. Scaling Truenat and RT-PCR testing to 80% of health centers, especially rural ones, could detect variants early, per Dr Balram Bhargava, a renowned cardiologist and public health leader. Vaccination & Boosters: Only 18% of Indians have Omicron-specific boosters. A 2025 campaign targeting 50% booster coverage, especially for those over 70, could cut severe cases by 30%, per WHO. Mobile vaccination units, successful in 2021, should reach rural areas. Hospital Preparedness: Only 50% of health centres have ventilators, and 30% lack oxygen, per a 2024 MoHFW report. The Centre's 2025 mock drills must ensure 75% of 1.5 lakh centers have isolation beds and antivirals, costing Rs 5,000 crore. Telemedicine, used by 15% of urban Indians, can expand to rural areas. Masking and Ventilation: XFG's spread in crowded spaces, like Mumbai's trains, requires masks and improved ventilation. A 2023 Singapore study cut transmission by 20% with air purifiers. India's public buildings need similar upgrades. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : covid symptoms Long COVID omicron view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. 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