XFG Stratus Spreads; Updated Vaccines Advised

The Stratus lineage of SARS‑CoV‑2 (XFG and XFG.3), first detected in January and designated a World Health Organization “variant under monitoring” in June, has risen in proportion globally and is driving recent case increases in several countries. Health data show UK weekly cases rising roughly 7–7.6%, XFG dominating recent infections in Ireland, and U.S. CDC and wastewater monitoring indicating XFG accounts for a large share of cases. Clinicians report Stratus commonly begins with ear, nose and throat symptoms — notably a hoarse or raspy voice and sore throat — and more frequent gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and vomiting. Experts say Stratus appears slightly more transmissible and may better evade existing immunity, prompting recommendations to update vaccines, although current data do not indicate greater clinical severity. Public‑health bodies continue testing, isolation guidance and enhanced surveillance (including wastewater and hospital monitoring) and assess the additional public‑health risk as low while urging vaccination and continued monitoring.