New COVID strains Nimbus and Stratus spreading in Ukraine with dozens infected
Photo: New sub-variants of the Omicron strain have been detected in Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine has confirmed cases of two new dominant coronavirus subvariants in the world - Nimbus and Stratus. They spread faster than their predecessors and pose a risk to people with weakened immune systems, according to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
New globally dominant subvariants of the Omicron strain have been recorded in Ukraine. Currently, 38 cases of the Stratus subvariant and one case of the Nimbus subvariant have been confirmed.
According to the WHO, they spread faster and can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems, although they are generally no more dangerous than previous variants.
Symptoms
Nimbus was first detected in the world in early 2025, and its characteristic symptom is a sore throat.
Stratus has been known since January 2025 and is distinguished by the fact that patients develop a hoarse voice. The rest of the symptoms are the same as other variants of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health reminds us that vaccination, in particular with omicron-specific drugs, reduces the risk of complications. Revaccination is recommended every 6–12 months for people in risk groups, including medical professionals, military personnel, and the elderly.
Who is at risk
The most vulnerable groups also include:
- adults and children with weakened immune systems or concomitant or severe chronic diseases;
- pregnant women;
- people over 60 years of age;
- adults and children who are at risk have a high chance of severe illness and death from coronavirus infection;
- members of professional risk groups (e.g., doctors, teachers, military personnel, etc.).
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
