A new COVID-19 variant, known as Stratus or XFG, is spreading rapidly across the United States. The World Health Organization has added it to its watchlist, but evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as “low” at the global level.
Stratus is a combination of variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, and its mutations may enhance its ability to evade immune responses. However, its binding behavior shows that it is less likely to be highly contagious than other dominant variants.
There is currently no clear evidence that Stratus causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants. The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following 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
According to the CDC, in Mississippi, COVID-related clinic and hospital visits have outpaced flu-related care since mid-June. Wastewater tracking shows high rates of shed COVID-19 in the state.
Despite low reporting from states, the CDC has reported that Stratus accounted for 14% of U.S. cases as of late June. The variant’s prevalence is increasing, but it remains to be seen whether it will become the predominant source of infection in the United States.
Source: https://eu.clarionledger.com/story/news/2025/08/13/new-covid-strain-stratus-xfg-mississippi/85643438007