A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Stratus” and officially labeled XFG, is spreading across the United States during a summer wave of infections. It’s now the third most common COVID strain in the country, according to the CDC.
XFG is a hybrid of two earlier variants — F.7 and LP.8.1.2 — and while it may be slightly better at dodging the immune system, experts say it appears less contagious than some other dominant strains.
First detected in Southeast Asia in January, Stratus made up virtually 0% of U.S. cases until May. But by late June, it was responsible for about 14% of infections nationwide.
The World Health Organization has added XFG to its watchlist, but rates its global public health risk as “low.” Current COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to protect against both symptomatic and severe illness from this variant.
What Is the Stratus (XFG) COVID Variant?
The CDC describes XFG as a combination of F.7 and LP.8.1.2 variants.
Dr. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, says mutations in XFG might help it partially evade immunity — but its binding patterns suggest it’s unlikely to spread as quickly as some other Omicron-related strains.
Right now, there’s no evidence that Stratus causes more severe disease or different symptoms compared to previous variants. However, hoarseness has been reported anecdotally in some cases.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms (Including Stratus)
The CDC lists the following as typical COVID-19 symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Seek emergency medical care if you have:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion
- Trouble staying awake
- Skin, lips, or nails turning pale, gray, or blue (depending on skin tone)
How Common Is Stratus Right Now?
As of late June, XFG made up 14% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., behind NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%).
Its rise has been rapid — from 0% in March, to 2% in April, 6% in late May, 11% in early June, and 14% by the end of June. Globally, WHO data from 38 countries shows XFG rose from 7.4% of cases in early May to 22.7% by late June.
Where Are COVID Cases Rising the Most?
Nationwide, 8.5% of COVID tests came back positive in the week ending August 2 — a 2% increase from the week before. Only 0.3% of cases resulted in death and 0.9% led to ER visits, both slightly lower than the previous week.
Higher positivity rates were reported in western and southern states, including:
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
In Tennessee, COVID-related ER visits remain very low but are beginning to rise, according to the CDC’s August 8 report.
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