What is Stratus, new COVID-19 variant spreading rapidly across the globe? Here’s what we know so far

A new Covid-19 variant, also known as “Stratus”, is rapidly spreading worldwide and increasing concerns between health professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has currently listed XFG as one of the seven variants under monitoring.

The XFG descends from the omicron sub -variable and was first detected in Canada. It carries several mutations in the spike protein, which is a part of the virus to infecify human cells. According to a report published in Lancet, the first known example of XFG was collected on January 27th.

The XFG is a rekombinant variant, ie when one person was infected with two different Covid-19 variants at the same time. In this case, it was developed from a mixture of XFG, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 variants. Record Variants are defined by a “X” at the beginning of their names.

As of June 22, a total of 1,648 Genomas XFG series was installed from 38 countries on the global GISAID database following Covid-19 mutations. Variant is spreading fast especially in many countries in the Southeast Asia region. Some countries also see an increase in hospitalization linked to this variant.

So far, there is no evidence that XFG causes more severe illness than previous variants. Like other Omicron variants, it is seen that it often results in mild symptoms that affect the upper respiratory system. DSÖ evaluated XFG’s risk of global public health as low.

However, the Lancet report emphasizes that the XFG has a strong ability to escape the immune system, which may allow the body to fight infection and to spread more easily.

Nevertheless, vaccines currently in use are still expected to protect against severe disease and symptoms caused by XFG.

The XFG is officially tagged as vari variant under monitoring, which means that health authorities closely monitor their behavior and potential impact.