New #COVID-19 strain spreads: A new, highly transmissible COVID-19 strain is causing a wave of #infections across the US. It has become the dominant strain in the US, surpassing previous variants like NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus”.As of October 2025, the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant XFG, nicknamed “#Stratus,” is driving a wave of infections across the United States About the Stratus variant Origin: First detected in Southeast Asia in January 2025, Stratus is a hybrid, or recombinant, of two existing Omicron subvariants. Contagiousness: Its genetic makeup gives it a modest advantage in spread by helping it bind more tightly to human cells. It is also partially immune-evasive, meaning it can

New  #COVID-19 strain spreads: A new, highly transmissible COVID-19 strain is causing a wave of  #infections across the US.
It has become the dominant strain in the US, surpassing previous variants like NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus”.As of October 2025, the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant XFG, nicknamed ” #Stratus,” is driving a wave of infections across the United States
About the Stratus variant
Origin: First detected in Southeast Asia in January 2025, Stratus is a hybrid, or recombinant, of two existing Omicron subvariants.
Contagiousness: Its genetic makeup gives it a modest advantage in spread by helping it bind more tightly to human cells. It is also partially immune-evasive, meaning it can sometimes get around antibodies from previous infections and vaccinations.
Severity: The World Health Organization has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring” but has assessed the global public health risk as low. For most vaccinated people, infections remain mild.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the Stratus variant can be similar to earlier Omicron strains and other respiratory illnesses, and can include:
Cough and congestion
Fever and chills
Fatigue and muscle aches
Headache
Gastrointestinal issues
Some reports also indicate that a hoarse or raspy voice is a potential early symptom of the Stratus variant.
Spread in the US
Dominance: Wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Stratus became the predominant variant in the US by September 2025.
Regional hotspots: While COVID-19 viral activity is “moderate” nationally, some states, including Nevada, Utah, Connecticut, and Delaware, have reported “high” or “very high” levels of the virus in their wastewater. New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas have also seen increased cases.
Summer wave: This recent surge in cases aligns with the typical summer wave pattern that has occurred each year since the start of the pandemic, driven by new variants, waning immunity, and increased travel.
What you can do
Health experts advise taking precautions to prevent illness and its spread:
Vaccination: The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends updated 2025–2026 COVID vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, after consulting with a doctor or pharmacist.
Hygiene: Continue to practice good hand washing and other basic hygiene to limit transmission.
Masks: Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings to improve protection.
Ventilation: Ensure good indoor air ventilation and filtration, especially in public spaces.
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 2, 2025