New 'Stratus' Coronavirus Variant Sweeps Germany and Southeast Asia
A new coronavirus variant, dubbed 'Stratus' or XFG, is causing concern in Germany and Southeast Asia. The variant, a recombination of known variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, is responsible for around 65 percent of detected Covid infections in Germany and over 66 percent of global samples. It's causing symptoms like hoarseness, cough, fever, diarrhea, and severe sore throats.
In the past two weeks, the infection situation in Germany has accelerated, with wastewater monitoring showing an increasing viral load. The 'Stratus' variant is now dominant, accounting for around 65 percent of all detected Covid infections in the country. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, an increasing number of people are falling ill with this subvariant, experiencing symptoms such as hoarseness, cough, fever, and diarrhea. While another variant, 'Nimbus', is spreading in Asia, it has not yet played a significant role in Germany.
The 'Stratus' variant is characterized by severe sore throats, likened to razor blade-like pain. It's unclear who or what organization named the variant, as no clear evidence has been found in publicly available sources.
The 'Stratus' variant is making a comeback in Germany and is on the rise internationally. Its severe symptoms and rapid spread have raised concerns. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely and advising caution to prevent further spread.
