US Covid-19 Surge Driven by New XFV and NB.1.81 Variants
Covid-19 cases are surging again in the US, with two new variants, XFV (Stratus) and NB.1.81 (Nimbus), driving the increase. The northeast region has been particularly hard hit since late August, peaking in mid-September. Declining vaccination rates may be contributing to this news resurgence.
The Nimbus variant, first identified almost simultaneously in China and later confirmed by UKHSA and WHO, is now dominant in the US. It spreads rapidly but is not more severe than previous strains. Unusual symptoms like severe throat pain have been reported with these new variants. Covid wastewater levels, while showing signs of slowing down in some areas, remain 'very high' in several states according to the CDC.
Long Covid, a condition caused by even mild infections, can lead to lasting effects. Vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, are at higher risk from these new variants.
The US is experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 infections, driven by two new variants. While the spread is rapid, the severity is not yet known to be more significant than previous strains. Public health officials urge vaccination and caution, especially for vulnerable groups, to mitigate the risk of long Covid and severe illness.
