What are the new ‘Stratus’ Covid symptoms as cases rise across UK
New Covid strain with unique symptom spreading across UK
- A new Covid strain named Stratus, with variants XFG and XFG.3, is circulating in the UK, with XFG.3 accounting for a significant proportion of cases in England.
- The Stratus variant is associated with a unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice.
- Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are monitoring the variants but are not overly concerned, stating that viral mutation is normal.
- The WHO has designated XFG as a 'variant under monitoring' and assessed its additional public health risk at a global level as low.
- Current data suggests XFG does not lead to more severe illness or deaths, and existing vaccines are expected to remain effective.