Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Stratus Variant Fuels US COVID-19 Case Surge
A new version of COVID-19 called Stratus is spreading, mainly in the US.
It's a mix of two previous Omicron strains.
It first appeared in Southeast Asia.
Stratus is now causing most new COVID cases in the US.
The symptoms include a sore throat, cough, fever, and headache.
It's spreading because it can evade some of our body's defenses.
Current vaccines are expected to still help prevent serious illness from Stratus.
The XFG (Stratus) variant is driving a surge in US COVID-19 cases.
XFG accounts for the majority of new infections in the US.
Stratus is a hybrid of two Omicron sub-strains.
Cases have been reported in the UK, with variants like Nimbus also contributing.
Existing vaccines are expected to remain effective against severe illness.
- Who
- XFG (Stratus), a hybrid Omicron sub-variant.
- What
- A surge in COVID-19 cases is occurring in the US, driven by XFG.
- When
- Cases are rising, particularly through September 2025.
- Where
- Primarily in the US, with spread in the UK and globally.
- Why
- XFG is more transmissible, due to immune evasion properties.
Vaccination Recommendation
Vaccination Recommendation
Vaccine Recommendation
Vaccination Recommendation
Vaccination against Covid-19 should be recommended for all adults.
Vaccination Recommendation
An advisory committee has voted to stop recommending that all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Variant Name
- XFG (Stratus)
- Detected
- Southeast Asia, January 2025
- US Dominance
- 85% of cases (as of Sept. 27)
- Global Spread
- Predominant in the US
- Symptoms
- Sore throat, cough, congestion, fever, fatigue, headache, nausea
