A new set of coronavirus variants, nicknamed FLiRT, have been detected in wastewater surveillance, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From April 14 to April 27, the variant labeled KP.2 accounted for about 25% of U.S. cases, according to the CDC. As a result, it overtook JN.1 and became the new dominant subspecies in Japan. The JN.1 variant spread around the world over the winter and accounted for 22% of coronavirus cases in the United States over the same two-week period.
Another circulating FLiRT variant, KP.1.1, accounted for about 7.5% of COVID-19 cases during that two-week period, according to CDC data.
Read here for new information about COVID FLIRT. This is now the predominant variant. Is there a possibility of a surge in the summer?
Megan L. Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, told WebMD that FLiRT has several concerning characteristics, including changes in the spike protein, that could potentially cause SARS-CoV-2 to colonize the body and cause people to become infected. He said it plays a role in helping people get sick.
Since September 2023, only 22.6% of adults reported receiving the most recent 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. The data also showed that vaccination rates increased with age and were highest among adults aged 75 and older.
“Many people have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections,” Thomas A. Russo, director of infectious diseases at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, told WebMD.
“CDC is tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants KP.2 and KP.1.1, also known as 'FLiRT,' and is working to better understand their potential impact on public health. ” the department said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY. Wednesday.
“Although KP.2 is currently the predominant variant in the United States, laboratory data indicates that overall levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection are currently low; “While proportionately the most predominant variant, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is low and is not causing an increase in infections,” the CDC said in a statement.
Symptoms of new coronavirus “FLiRT” variant
The CDC says there is “no current indication” that KP.2 causes more severe illness than other strains. The agency said it will continue to monitor community transmission of the virus and the effectiveness of vaccines against this strain.
The 'FLiRT' variant has been reported to have symptoms similar to those of JN.1, including:
Fever or chills Cough Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Headache Muscle pain Difficulty breathing Fatigue New loss of taste or smell “brain fog” (decreased alertness and consciousness) Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
The CDC says the list does not include all possible symptoms, and symptoms can change with new variants and can vary from person to person.
According to the agency, patients infected with the new coronavirus generally exhibit a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
The latest coronavirus guidance from the CDC
In March 2024, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance to no longer direct people who test positive for the virus to quarantine at home for five days.
Health authorities are introducing new policies that focus on actions people can take to reduce the spread of a variety of common respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. announced. These actions include staying home when sick, staying up to date on vaccines, practicing good hygiene, and improving indoor air quality.
According to the CDC, this change marks the first time the agency has revised its coronavirus guidelines since 2021. The CDC said the guidelines are for individuals and employers, not hospitals and nursing homes, which have separate guidelines.
CDC officials said the change is a reasonable approach that is easier for people to understand and in line with circulating respiratory viruses that spread in a similar way and cause similar symptoms.
Contributors: Eduardo Cuevas, Adrianna Rodriguez, Ken Alltucker, Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Mike Snider
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY's national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
