In the United States, there is a rapid increase in the cases of Kovid-19, the main reason is the XFG variant, which is now its third most common summer strain. Also known as ‘Straitus’ is XFG, a genetic mixture of two old Omikron variants – LF.7 and Lp.8.1.2. It was first detected in Southeast Asia in January 2025 and is part of the Omikron variant group. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed XFG as a variant (VUM) placed under surveillance, which means that it is not currently considered a major public health threat, but due to its rapid spread, it is being closely monitored.
How broad is XFG?
According to the US Disease Control and Prevention Center (CDC), there were 0 percent cases of XFG in March, which increased to 2 percent in April, 6 percent in May and 14 percent by the end of June – leading to the third most common variant in the country. It has also spread to many European countries. Globally, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the share of XFG in at least 38 countries increased from nearly 7 percent to 22.7 percent by the end of June.
What do we know about XFG variants
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), XFG is a variant that is a revival of LF.7 and Lp.8.1.2. The first sample was collected on 27 January 2025. In its June report, WHO stated that XFG has been named a variant (VUM) in monitoring with “global growing ratio”.
Experts have said that Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is constantly changing. It is collecting mutations in its genetic code over time; Therefore, the new variant is expected to be revealed. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at Nevada University, Reno, told USA Today that the variant’s mutation could increase the ability of XFG to avoid immune responses.
However, in view of the evidence available by the world body, the additional public health risk generated from XFG globally is underestimated. Verma said, “Currently there is no clear evidence that XFG causes a more serious illness or significant symptoms than the earlier Omikron variants.” “The important thing is that there are no immediate public health concerns related to this variant.”
The World Health Organization said that currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against symptomatic and serious diseases.
What are the symptoms of XFG?
According to CDC, the following are the general symptoms of Covid-19:
Feverish
Cough
Breathing or difficulty in breathing
Throat
Nose
Disappearance
Tiredness
Muscle or body pain
Headache
Nausea
Is XFG more severe or resistant?
Dr. Subhash Verma, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Nevada University, Reno, told USA Today: “There is no clear proof at present that XFG causes a more serious disease or very different symptoms than the earlier Omikron variants. The important thing is that there are no immediate public health concerns.”
The current assessment of the World Health Organization and experts indicates-
Public health risk remains low
There is no evidence of increasing severity
Existing vaccines provide protection from symptomatic and serious illness
What precautions can people take
Get checked in case of symptoms
Stay at home when unwell
Keep good cleanliness
Keep vaccination and booster shots updated