FLiRT Subvariants Drive Latest COVID-19 Spike Across US
By Jake Beardslee ·
July 18, 2024
As the United States experiences a resurgence in COVID-19 cases following a brief spring respite, experts are examining the causes and implications of this latest uptick.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a notable increase in SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater, particularly in western states. This surge is mirrored by a rise in COVID test positivity rates, which jumped 11% in early July. Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM / Wikimedia
The new FLiRT subvariants, KP.2 and KP.3, are responsible for nearly two-thirds of recent cases. These variants, which became dominant in early 2024, are more contagious due to mutations in their spike proteins that help them evade immune defenses. Nickolay Romensky / Wikimedia
While many respiratory viruses peak in winter, COVID-19 has consistently shown summer spikes, except in 2020 when social distancing measures were strictly enforced. This biannual pattern may be attributed to the virus's rapid evolution and changes in human behavior during summer months. Ear-phone / Wikimedia
Joseph Allen, an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Scientific American: "We know that nearly all [COVID] transmission happens indoors, in places with poor ventilation and/or poor filtration." This insight highlights the role of air-conditioned indoor spaces in facilitating virus spread during summer. NIAID / Wikimedia
Despite the increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths remain low. Most adults infected with the new variants experience mild, flu-like symptoms. However, vulnerable populations may still face significant risks. NIH Image Gallery from Bethesda, Maryland, USA / Wikimedia
Adrian Esterman, an epidemiologist and professor of biostatistics at the University of South Australia, advised Newsweek: "For vulnerable people—that is, those who are elderly or have underlying health issues—they should ensure that they are up to date with their booster shots against COVID-19 and start wearing an N95/P2 face mask when on public transport or shopping, etcetera." He added, "They should also have a plan in place with their family practice to make sure they have quick access to antivirals." O’Kelly E, Arora A, Pirog S, Ward J, Clarkson PJ (2021) / Wikimedia
The CDC continues to recommend standard precautions, including good hygiene practices, proper ventilation, staying home when experiencing respiratory symptoms, and keeping vaccinations up to date. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Wikimedia
