A new COVID‑19 variant named XFG, famously nicknamed “Stratus,” is spreading quickly and now ranks as the third most common COVID‑19 strain in the United States. Scientists and health officials around the world are watching closely.
How It’s Spreading:
The variant XFG first appeared in Southeast Asia in January 2025. By late June, it surged to 14% of cases in the U.S., up from nearly zero earlier in the year .
Globally, its share increased from 7.4% to 22.7% of all COVID samples within a few weeks .
Wastewater tracking by the CDC shows infection levels rising from “low” to “moderate,” especially in western states like Alaska, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah .
In some areas, like the Bay Area, Stratus now makes up 54% of detected variants through wastewater scans .
Why It’s Important Globally:
Health officials have added Stratus (XFG) to the WHO’s “variant under monitoring” list .
Despite increasing numbers, the WHO still views it as a low global risk for severe disease .
Current COVID‑19 vaccines are still expected to protect well against serious illness from XFG .
Symptoms & Recommendations:
People infected by Stratus report familiar symptoms: fever, cough, sore or hoarse throat, fatigue, congestion .
Although Stratus hasn’t proven more dangerous, its faster spread means more infections — and potentially more hospitalizations among vulnerable populations .
Health officials stress the importance of staying home when sick, using masks in crowded indoor spaces, good hygiene, and keeping vaccinations updated .
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