UK Warns of Rapid Spread of Frankenstein Strain 'Stratus' Covid Variant with Unusual Symptom
UK warns of fast-spreading 'Stratus' COVID variant (XFG) now causing 40% of cases. Hybrid strain shows immune evasion but no increased severity. Key symptom: hoarseness. WHO monitors global spread potential.
By Ahora Qadi
Erbil (Kurdistan24) – British health authorities have issued an urgent warning over the fast-spreading 'Stratus' strain of Covid-19, a newly emerging variant officially labelled XFG, which has rapidly overtaken other strains to become the most prevalent in the United Kingdom.
Referred to as a 'Frankenstein variant' by health experts due to its hybrid genetic composition, Stratus is a recombinant form born from the simultaneous infection of an individual by two different Covid strains. This merging process creates a new hybrid variant with the potential to display altered clinical features and immune evasion properties.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that Stratus, which accounted for just 10% of Covid cases in May, surged to 40% by mid-June. Its swift rise has prompted renewed surveillance and concern from national and international health bodies.
WHO: Variant Poised to Become Dominant
The World Health Organization has raised the alarm, noting that XFG/Stratus could soon become the dominant strain not only in the UK but potentially in other regions as well. Though current data indicates that Stratus does not cause more severe illness than earlier Omicron variants, its rapid transmissibility and distinctive clinical manifestations are under close scrutiny.
Distinctive Symptom: Hoarseness
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a general practitioner at Harley Street and founder of the Hannah London Clinic said, Stratus bears unique mutations in the spike protein that may help it evade immunity gained through previous infections or vaccinations.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies,” Dr. Khan explained. However, he stressed that Stratus does not appear more lethal or likely to result in hospitalizations than earlier Omicron lineages.
What sets Stratus apart clinically is its most noticeable symptom: hoarseness. This includes a scratchy or raspy voice, a deviation from the heavy cough, fever, or fatigue traditionally associated with Covid-19.
Other Variants with Similar Patterns
The Stratus variant follows in the lineage of other Frankenstein-like recombinants such as NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed 'Nimbus') and the infamous 'Deltacron'. These strains, too, are marked by rapidly spreading patterns and new symptoms.
While there is currently no evidence that Stratus causes more severe outcomes than prior variants, health experts stress the importance of monitoring new symptoms and staying updated on emerging strains. The situation remains dynamic, and the UK’s health authorities continue to assess the implications of XFG’s spread and potential global reach.
