Latest news with #Stratus
Irish Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
New Covid figures show 6 counties where cases are highest right now
New data has revealed that six Irish counties are currently experiencing the highest number of confirmed Covid cases, with Dublin leading by a wide margin. Over the past week, 509 new Covid cases were recorded across the country - a significant rise from the 353 cases reported the previous week. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre's data, six counties recorded more than 20 cases over the last seven days. Dublin accounted for nearly 40% of the total with 192 cases, followed by Cork with 63, Limerick with 36, Waterford at 29, Wexford with 23 and Wicklow recording 22. At the other end of the scale, Laois and Longford reported just one case each last week, while Leitrim, Monaghan and Roscommon each recorded three and Meath had four cases. Health officials across the world are closely monitoring the surge, which experts partly attribute to the rapid spread of the XFG variant, also known as the Stratus strain. The latest figures for Ireland show that the XFG variant made up 41% of all confirmed Covid samples tested in Ireland over the past five weeks - and last week alone, it was behind more than half of all known cases The World Health Organization has classified Stratus as a "variant under monitoring" and said that while it does not seem to cause more severe illness, it appears to spread faster. One of the early symptoms reported with the Stratus variant is a hoarse or raspy voice, which may appear before more typical signs of Covid infection. This subtle early warning could go unnoticed and therefore allow the virus to spread quietly before people even realise they're infected. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, shared with Cosmopolitan UK that "one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice." Ireland's public health guidelines remain the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The HSE is reminding the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include: fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills dry cough fatigue (tiredness) loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose) conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye) sore throat headache muscle or joint pain (aches and pains) different types of skin rash nausea or vomiting diarrhoea chills dizziness shortness of breath or breathing difficulties loss of appetite confusion pain or pressure in the chest. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
How does the new Covid variant Stratus compare to previous strains?
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Covid hasn't taken a holiday this summer 🤧 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of a new Covid strain have been detected in the UK. Stratus is the latest Covid variant on the scene. It is 'under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation. Cases of a new Covid variant that is 'under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been detected in the UK. Latest data from the UKHSA revealed that between June 9 and June 22, of those sequenced in this period 27.72% cases were classified as XFG.3 and 12.38% cases were classified as XFG. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been many different types of variants and subvariants of Covid since the beginning of the pandemic. Stratus is the latest to rear its head after the emergence of NB.1.8,1. and LP.8.1, which were responsible for a surge in cases during spring. Covid cases have been steadily rising and with the emergence of the new variant, it's even more important than ever to be aware of symptoms. Stratus is the latest Covid variant on the scene. |What is the new Covid variant? XFG, also known as Stratus, is a new subvariant of Omicron, it is a combination of previous variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and was first detected in a sample on January 27, 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How does stratus compare to previous Covid strains? Stratus is described as a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation (WHO), after several countries in South East Asia reported a rise in new cases and hospitalisations where the new variant has been detected. However, the WHO state that the public health risk it poses is 'evaluated as low at the global level'. With the current data indicating that this variant does not lead to more severe illness or death than any other variants currently in circulation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of stratus? There have been many different Covid variants, and whilst symptoms have remained largely the same, Stratus appears to also include a very painful sore throat and hoarse voice. The NHS explain Covid symptoms can include: a high temperature or shivering (chills) a new, continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick 🧪 Boots COVID-19 Test Kits While free testing is no longer widely available, Boots continues to offer a range of COVID-19 lateral flow kits for home use, with results in under 30 minutes. They're available individually or in multipacks, with options for general use, travel, or workplace settings. Covid symptoms are similar to that of other illness, such as colds and flu or even hay fever. If you suspect you have Covid it's important to take a test to confirm or rule out the infection as the last thing you'd want to do is spread it around your friends and family. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of Covid at
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
How does the new Covid variant Stratus compare to previous strains?
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Covid hasn't taken a holiday this summer 🤧 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of a new Covid strain have been detected in the UK. Stratus is the latest Covid variant on the scene. It is 'under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation. Cases of a new Covid variant that is 'under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been detected in the UK. Latest data from the UKHSA revealed that between June 9 and June 22, of those sequenced in this period 27.72% cases were classified as XFG.3 and 12.38% cases were classified as XFG. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been many different types of variants and subvariants of Covid since the beginning of the pandemic. Stratus is the latest to rear its head after the emergence of NB.1.8,1. and LP.8.1, which were responsible for a surge in cases during spring. Covid cases have been steadily rising and with the emergence of the new variant, it's even more important than ever to be aware of symptoms. Stratus is the latest Covid variant on the scene. |What is the new Covid variant? XFG, also known as Stratus, is a new subvariant of Omicron, it is a combination of previous variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and was first detected in a sample on January 27, 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How does stratus compare to previous Covid strains? Stratus is described as a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organisation (WHO), after several countries in South East Asia reported a rise in new cases and hospitalisations where the new variant has been detected. However, the WHO state that the public health risk it poses is 'evaluated as low at the global level'. With the current data indicating that this variant does not lead to more severe illness or death than any other variants currently in circulation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of stratus? There have been many different Covid variants, and whilst symptoms have remained largely the same, Stratus appears to also include a very painful sore throat and hoarse voice. The NHS explain Covid symptoms can include: a high temperature or shivering (chills) a new, continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick 🧪 Boots COVID-19 Test Kits While free testing is no longer widely available, Boots continues to offer a range of COVID-19 lateral flow kits for home use, with results in under 30 minutes. They're available individually or in multipacks, with options for general use, travel, or workplace settings. Covid symptoms are similar to that of other illness, such as colds and flu or even hay fever. If you suspect you have Covid it's important to take a test to confirm or rule out the infection as the last thing you'd want to do is spread it around your friends and family.
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The subtle symptom of new Covid-19 variant as cases soar in Ireland & public told to keep eye out
IRISH people are being warned to watch out for a subtle symptom of the latest Covid-19 variant as cases surge. But this variant comes with easy-to-miss signs - therefore leading to a quicker spread in the population. During the past week, there have been 477 new This is a stark rise from the 302 cases reported during the previous week. The XFG variant, which is also known as Stratus, is being attributed by health experts to the surge. Latest figures from Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows an increase in Covid cases associated with the XFG variant. READ MORE IN HEALTH It has soared from 16.3 per cent to 40.9 per cent in only two weeks. As a result, the The organisation is warning that it may spread more rapidly, even if it doesn't cause more severe illness. But the variant has an unusual symptom that may be easily missed. Most read in Health The new symptom comes in the form of a hoarse or raspy voice which often comes before the typical Covid symptoms. OTHER SIGNS As a result, this could lead to undetected transmission, according to the Irish Mirror. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and the founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan The fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills dry cough fatigue (tiredness) loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose) conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye) sore throat headache muscle or joint pain (aches and pains) different types of skin rash nausea or vomiting diarrhoea chills dizziness shortness of breath or breathing difficulties loss of appetite confusion pain or pressure in the chest. If you have any symptoms of You should also avoid contact with others - especially those who are more vulnerable to the illness. LISTERIA Meanwhile, over 200 ready-made meals and side dishes have been recalled from Irish shops The Food Safety Authority of Ireland And it emerged today that Nine cases of listeriosis have been confirmed in Ireland as of Tuesday, July 22. The infection can include mild flu-like symptoms or none at all, according to the Safefood says a person with a listeria infection can have fever, tiredness and headache. There can also be gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases the infection can be more severe and cause serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including The Health Protection Surveillance Centre says that in immunocompromised and elderly individuals, the infection can occasionally spread to the central nervous system causing meningitis and/or septicaemia, with symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance or convulsions. 1 Covid19 cases are rising in Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
COVID cases rising in the US: Which states have the maximum number of cases?
The COVID-19 pandemic was definitely one of the worst times to have plagued humanity. Millions of people lost their lives to a disease whose origin and ideal treatment remain an enigma even today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Like any other difficulty, humans adapted and figured out solutions for survival. While treatment for the virus is available, being infected with it is a gruesome journey that many fail to survive. According to an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 states are seeing a growth in the number of COVID cases as the summer wave appears to be starting, reported CBS News. While the activity remains "low" nationwide based on the CDC wastewater data, it has upgraded from "very low" from the previous week. Which states have the maximum number of cases? Image credits: Getty Images Some of the highest increases in emergency rooms for COVID have happened in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast. While the former has seen a steep rise in ER visits in June, the latter has been gradually rising for weeks. Due to new variants spreading across the states, health officials are expecting a rise in COVID-19 cases this summer. COVID-19 cases are growing in these states, as per the CDC: Arkansas Hawaii Illinois Iowa Kentucky North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Virginia Additionally, the cases are likely growing in these locations: Alaska California Delaware District Of Columbia Georgia Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi New Jersey New York Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Wisconsin Which COVID-19 variants are spreading in the US? Image credits: Getty Images As per a recent CDC analysis, COVID seems to be following a twice-a-year pattern, where cases pick up once in the summer (July through September) and once in the winter (December through February). 'Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues,' CDC scientists wrote. SI diversity is the ongoing changes in a key part of the virus's spike protein, which helps it bind to human cells. The latest COVID variants spreading in the US include Nimbus and Stratus. While these are new, they are "no more deadly" than the previous variants, according to CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr Jon LaPook. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The symptoms also match in terms of respiratory problems such as cough and sore throat, and systemic issues like fever and fatigue. The center also warned about another virus spreading more rapidly recently, the Parvovirus B19. People who get infected don't get very sick but experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and a rash. Chicago, in particular, has seen a spike in patients visiting the ER due to this virus. 'Several of the most recent weeks saw the highest percentage of B19-associated ED visits compared to the same week in all years since 2015,' health officials said. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for complications from the virus and thus are advised to wear masks when going to high-risk areas.
