United States: Amidst the onset of summer in the United States, a consortium of COVID-19 mutations, dubbed as the FLiRT variants, is gaining ground.
Several of these FLiRT iterations, notably the JN.1 strain, which previously dominated, are witnessing a decline. JN.1 had held sway as the predominant strain across the nation through much of the winter months.
Presently, KP.2 emerges as the most conspicuous variant. Descendants of the JN.1 lineage, alongside KP.1.1, these strains have earned the moniker FLiRT due to their mutational peculiarities, according to the reports by US News.
Here’s a comprehensive overview:
What is Their Prevalence?
During the fortnight concluding on May 11, KP.2 accounted for over 28% of fresh infections, as per estimates provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, KP.1.1 contributed to more than 7% of new cases.
Notably, KP.2 is witnessing a surge globally. According to the World Health Organization, this variant now constitutes nearly 10% of infections worldwide, marking an escalation from over 6% recorded approximately a month earlier.
Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO recently remarked on the significance of KP.2, stating, “It’s one we’re keeping a close eye on.”
“The initial sequences were reported in January of this year, indicating a prolonged circulation period. We anticipate fluctuations in these percentages,” Van Kerkhove mentioned during a press briefing this month.
Impact on COVID-19 Metrics, Hospitalizations, and Fatalities:
Recent data reflects a notable downturn in COVID-19 hospitalizations, reaching their lowest levels since the onset of the pandemic.
At the national level, wastewater viral activity, a key indicator of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, is presently categorized as “minimal” by the CDC, as per US News.
As of now, KP.2 has not precipitated a surge in COVID-19 metrics.
“Despite being the predominant variant in the US, KP.2 has not led to an uptick in COVID-19 infections or more severe outcomes compared to other variants,” as stated by the CDC.
The seasonal trajectory of COVID-19 remains uncertain, leaving open the possibility of a summer resurgence. Moreover, the reliability of COVID-19 data is dwindling, given that certain metrics are no longer mandated for reporting to federal authorities.
This predicament is not unique to the United States.
“With diminishing rates of testing and genome sequencing on a global scale, accurately gauging the severity impact of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants is becoming increasingly arduous,” the WHO noted in its report.
Nevertheless, the organization emphasized that there have been “no reported laboratory or epidemiological indications” suggesting heightened disease severity associated with the variants.
Efficacy of Vaccines Against FLiRT Variants:
While current COVID-19 vaccines target XBB.1.5, which is no longer prevalent in the US, they are expected to offer enhanced protection against circulating strains.
The FLiRT variants are likely to factor into deliberations when federal advisors convene in June to discuss the next steps for COVID-19 vaccine updates. Originally scheduled for this month, the meeting was postponed to allow for the gathering of additional surveillance data and pertinent information, as highlighted by US News.
“The FDA does not anticipate any delays impacting the availability of COVID-19 vaccines for the Fall,” reassured the agency in its announcement.
Despite expectations, the uptake of the latest COVID-19 vaccine fell short of projections, with less than 23% of adults receiving the jab, according to CDC statistics. This figure is markedly lower than the vaccination rate for the flu shot, which stood at 48% for adults.