New virus strain spreads in multiple sta
New Covid Variant Driving Surge
The XFG variant, also called Stratus, now makes up “80 percent of US Covid cases” as of September 9.
First detected in March, it has quickly become the dominant strain.
High Wastewater Activity
CDC data shows wastewater levels are “high nationally,” with 29 states reporting high or very high activity.
Infections are “growing” or “likely growing” in states such as Minnesota, Michigan, and New York.
More Contagious, Not Deadlier
XFG is a hybrid of two Omicron strains and is “more contagious than previous variants.”
Symptoms remain the same—fever, cough, fatigue, congestion, and loss of taste or smell.
Signs of Slowing
Despite the rise, hospitalizations fell from “2.5 per 100,000” to 1.5, and test positivity dropped from “10.9 percent” to 9.5 percent in the week ending September 13.
