Latest news with #SubhashVerma
NDTV
30 minutes ago
- Health
- NDTV
New COVID-19 Variant Spreading In US: All You Need To Know About XFG Variant
COVID-19 Cases In the US: The United States has lately seen an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases linked to a new variant, which has become the third-most common strain of the summer. The new XFG variant, colloquially known as "Stratus," is rapidly spreading across the US. This variant has also been found in many European countries. Variant XFG was first detected in Southeast Asia in January. According to a report by USA Today, the strain accounted for less than 0 per cent of cases in the US until May. But the cases saw a surge in June. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the variant was estimated to account for up to 14 per cent of cases by late June. In the US, XFG accounted for 0% of cases through March. But it started to increase. In April, it reached 2%. It was 6% in late May, 11% in early June and 14% in late June. The CDC found that high or very high levels of cases are found in states like Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. The cases are also rising in other states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Another starin, called NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, is also a common variant in the US, as per the CDC. This variant leads to an extreme sore throat. What Do We Know About The XFG Variant According to the World Health Organization (WHO), XFG is a variant that is a recombinant of the lineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The earliest sample was collected on 27 January 2025. In its June report, the WHO stated that XFG has been designated a variant under monitoring (VUM) with "increasing proportions globally". Experts have said that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing. It is accumulating mutations in its genetic code over time; hence, new variants are expected to continue to emerge. Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY that the variant's mutations may enhance XFG's ability to evade immune responses. However, the world body has evaluated the additional public health risk posed by XFG as low at the global level, considering the available evidence. "There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants," Verma said. "Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant." WHO said that the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. What Are The Symptoms Of XFG? According to the CDC, the following are the common COVID-19 symptoms:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New COVID variant 'Stratus' is spreading in the U.S. and worldwide: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID variant is climbing the ranks in the U.S., becoming the third-most common strain of the summer. Variant XFG, colloquially known as "Stratus," was first detected in Southeast Asia in January but accounted for less than about 0% of cases in the United States until May. By late June, it was estimated to account for up to 14%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) added XFG to its watchlist but evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low" at the global level in a late June report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about XFG. What is COVID variant XFG? XFG is a combination of COVID-19 variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, the latter of which is currently the second most prominent strain in the U.S. The variant's mutations may enhance XFG's ability to evade immune responses, but its binding behavior shows that it is less likely to be highly contagious than other dominant variants, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY. "There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants," said Verma. "Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant." How common is XFG? While XFG has been growing and spreading worldwide, it has yet to become the predominant source of infection in the United States. The CDC has moved to using longer timeframes for COVID tracking due to low reporting from states. According to the latest data for the two-week period ending June 21, XFG accounted for 14% of U.S. cases, making it the third most-prevalent strain after NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%). The prominence of XFG in the United States significantly increased in the weeks leading up to the last report, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 6% in late May, 11% in early June and 14% in late June. WHO tracked an uptick in XFG worldwide in June as well, with the June report including data from 38 countries showing that XFG accounted for only 7.4% of positive tests in the first week of May but 22.7% by the last. USA TODAY has reached out to the CDC for more information about the spread of COVID variants in July and August. What are the symptoms of XFG? There is no evidence that XFG causes any distinct symptoms from other variants, said Verma. However, hoarseness has been anecdotally associated with the strain, according to social media posts and news reports. The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or a runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New COVID variant 'Stratus' spreading in US: symptoms, what to know
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New COVID variant 'Stratus' is spreading in the U.S. and worldwide: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID variant is climbing the ranks in the U.S., becoming the third-most common strain of the summer. Variant XFG, colloquially known as "Stratus," was first detected in Southeast Asia in January but accounted for less than about 0% of cases in the United States until May. By late June, it was estimated to account for up to 14%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) added XFG to its watchlist but evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low" at the global level in a late June report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about XFG. What is COVID variant XFG? XFG is a combination of COVID-19 variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, the latter of which is currently the second most prominent strain in the U.S. The variant's mutations may enhance XFG's ability to evade immune responses, but its binding behavior shows that it is less likely to be highly contagious than other dominant variants, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY. "There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants," said Verma. "Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant." How common is XFG? While XFG has been growing and spreading worldwide, it has yet to become the predominant source of infection in the United States. The CDC has moved to using longer timeframes for COVID tracking due to low reporting from states. According to the latest data for the two-week period ending June 21, XFG accounted for 14% of U.S. cases, making it the third most-prevalent strain after NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%). The prominence of XFG in the United States significantly increased in the weeks leading up to the last report, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 6% in late May, 11% in early June and 14% in late June. WHO tracked an uptick in XFG worldwide in June as well, with the June report including data from 38 countries showing that XFG accounted for only 7.4% of positive tests in the first week of May but 22.7% by the last. USA TODAY has reached out to the CDC for more information about the spread of COVID variants in July and August. What are the symptoms of XFG? There is no evidence that XFG causes any distinct symptoms from other variants, said Verma. However, hoarseness has been anecdotally associated with the strain, according to social media posts and news reports. The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or a runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New COVID variant 'Stratus' spreading in US: symptoms, what to know
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New COVID variant Stratus haunting US: What are the symptoms? Here's all you need to know
One COVID variant, 'Stratus', that has become increasingly popular in the United States during this summer and is being widely monitored by health professionals. The Stratus variant (XFG) of COVID-19 is now the third most common in the U.S., with a 14% share of cases. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/File Photo(REUTERS) Known officially as XFG, the variant was first detected in Southeast Asia back in January. For months, it flew under the radar in the States, barely any reported cases. However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailed XFG accounted for 14% of all U.S. cases by late June, making it the third most common variant in circulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has added XFG to its monitoring list but describes the variant's global public health risk as 'low.' The good news: WHO says that current COVID-19 vaccines are still 'expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.' ALSO READ| New COVID variant bizarre symptoms: What treatments are available and how you can protect yourself What is Stratus (XFG) and how is it different? XFG is a recombinant strain, meaning it's a blend of two earlier variants: F.7 and LP.8.1.2 (the latter is now the second most common strain in the U.S.). So, what makes XFG different? Scientists say it may have mutations that help it dodge the immune system more easily. But that doesn't mean it spreads faster. 'There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants,' Dr. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno. told USA Today. 'Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant.' How fast is Stratus (XFG) spreading? While it hasn't overtaken the top two variants, XFG made up 0% of U.S. cases in March, climbed to 2% in April, 6% in May, and 14% by late June, according to the CDC. WHO reported a similar spike globally, from 7.4% of cases in early May to 22.7% by the end of June across 38 countries. ALSO READ| Moderna to cut 10% global staff as Covid vaccine sales keep falling What are the symptoms? The CDC continues to list common COVID symptoms such as: Fever or chills Cough Fatigue Sore throat Loss of taste or smell Congestion Muscle aches Shortness of breath Headache Nausea or vomiting
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
New COVID strain taking over America — is it dangerous?
NEW YORK, Aug 6: A new COVID variant, known as XFG or 'Stratus,' is rapidly increasing in prevalence in the United States, becoming the third most common strain this summer. Originally identified in Southeast Asia in January, XFG represented nearly 0% of U.S. cases until May but rose to about 14% by late June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed XFG on its watchlist but assessed its overall public health risk as 'low' globally in a report released in late June. The WHO also noted that current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant, preventing symptomatic and severe illness. What is the XFG variant? XFG is a recombinant variant, combining elements of the F.7 and LP.8.1.2 variants—the latter being the second most common strain in the U.S. Scientists believe its mutations might help it evade immune defenses, but its mode of binding suggests it is less contagious than other dominant variants. Subhash Verma, a microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told USA TODAY that there is no clear evidence XFG causes more severe illness or different symptoms compared to earlier Omicron variants. He emphasized that there are currently no urgent public health concerns linked to XFG. How widespread is XFG? Although spreading globally, XFG has not yet become the leading cause of COVID infections in the U.S. Due to reduced state reporting, the CDC now tracks cases over longer periods. For the two weeks ending June 21, XFG accounted for 14% of U.S. COVID cases, trailing behind NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%). XFG's presence in the U.S. grew steadily over recent months: from nearly 0% in March, to 2% in April, 6% in late May, 11% in early June, and 14% by late June. The WHO also reported an increase worldwide, with XFG making up 7.4% of positive tests in early May and rising to 22.7% by the end of June across 38 countries. What symptoms does XFG cause? There is no evidence that XFG causes symptoms different from other COVID variants. However, anecdotal reports on social media and in the news have linked the strain with hoarseness. According to the CDC, common COVID symptoms include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting The CDC advises seeking medical attention if you experience: Difficulty breathing Persistent chest pain or pressure New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Pale, gray, or blue lips, nail beds, or skin (depending on skin tone) This information underscores the importance of vigilance as COVID variants continue to evolve and spread.
