Woman wearing a face mask to protect against Covid-19 on 7th April 2024 in London, United Kingdom: Mike Kemp | In Pictures | Getty Images
Health experts are raising concerns about new strains of Covid-19 spreading globally, potentially leading to a summer spike in cases. The FLiRT variants, named after mutations in their genetic code, are increasing in the U.S. and Europe as the virus continues to evolve.
Descendants of the JN.1 variant, the KP.2 strain is now dominant in the U.S., accounting for 28.2% of cases. Meanwhile, the KP.1.1 variant makes up 7.1% of current infections. In Europe, the new variant has been detected in 14 countries.
While there is little evidence that the new strains are more severe, they are causing some concern. The World Health Organization notes that cases remain limited, although some countries are reporting slight increases.
Experts believe the new strains may lead to an increase in cases in the U.S. in the coming months, despite existing immunity. The effectiveness of current vaccines against these strains is being closely monitored, with discussions underway for potential adjustments to the winter Covid-19 vaccine mix.
The U.K. Health Security Agency continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of vaccine effectiveness and public health measures. While the impact of the new strains remains uncertain, health professionals are prepared for potential challenges ahead.
