Stratus COVID-19 variant spreading fast worldwide - Risks and details for Ukraine
What you need to know about the new coronavirus strain (photo: Freepik)
In Ukraine and worldwide, a new COVID-19 strain, Stratus (XFG), has been detected. It is a subvariant of Omicron. According to the WHO, it is actively spreading in Southeast Asian countries, with increasing cases of infection and hospitalizations. It has also been identified in several European countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO) report.
What is known about Stratus
Stratus (XFG) belongs to the Omicron family and originates from the JN.1 lineage, which is targeted by the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is a combination of two variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. In just a few weeks, its share in global samples rose from 7% to almost 23%.
In India, XFG became dominant in the spring, and in the U.S., it is already present in 14% of patients. The strain is now spreading across Europe and is one of the dominant variants.
In Ukraine, the new strain has been confirmed in 38 patients in seven regions and Kyiv. According to the Center for Public Health (THZ), its spread is facilitated by low vaccination rates, migration, and non-compliance with anti-epidemic rules.
Characteristics of strain
Stratus is more contagious but does not cause a more severe course of the disease. In many cases, symptoms appear as hoarseness.
"Currently, the COVID-19 situation is fully controllable and does not create excessive pressure on the healthcare system. At the same time, as last year, there is an increase in COVID-19 cases during the summer period," stated acting THZ Director Oleksii Danylenko.
Studies show that the strain better evades the immune response. However, available vaccines and several antiviral drugs likely remain effective in preventing severe cases and hospitalizations.
WHO and doctors about new strain
The WHO assesses the additional health risks as low but emphasizes the need for further studies, particularly regarding treatment efficacy.
"Stratus does not pose a global threat and is classified as a 'variant under monitoring.' For countries that have monoclonal antibodies for early treatment, this is more important, as their effectiveness significantly decreases with the emergence of different mutations. We do not have them. I believe it's not necessary because there is antiviral therapy, including specific ones," explains infectious disease expert Olha Holubovska on Facebook.
At the same time, the doctor emphasizes that people should not neglect their health and immediately start treatment, since even minor symptoms can be accompanied by significant lung changes.
Earlier, we reported that Kyiv is registering an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, with some citizens even being hospitalized. Doctors recommend wearing masks to protect yourself. According to Valentyna Hynzburg, Director of the Health Department at Kyiv City State Administration, the situation in the capital is under control.
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.
