Archive · 10 Aug 2025
New XFG Variant Driving COVID-19 Rise in US
COVID-19 cases are increasing in the US because of a new version of the virus called XFG, or Stratus.
This variant started spreading in the US after being first found in January in Southeast Asia.
By June, it was found in as much as 14% of cases.
XFG is currently the third most common variant.
The CDC has found high levels of this variant in a number of states.
Experts say there isn't much to be worried about since it doesn't seem to be more dangerous, and the current vaccines still work.
COVID-19 cases are rising in the US due to the XFG variant, also known as Stratus.
XFG, first detected in Southeast Asia in January, is now the third most common variant in the US.
The CDC estimates XFG accounted for up to 14% of cases in the US by late June.
High levels of XFG are found in states like California, Florida, and Texas.
The WHO assesses the public health risk of XFG as low globally, with no evidence of more severe disease.
- Who
- The general public, with health officials monitoring the situation.
- What
- A rise in COVID-19 cases due to the XFG variant.
- When
- The cases are surging in June.
- Where
- Across the United States, including states like California, Florida, and Texas.
- Why
- Linked to the spread of the XFG variant.
Severity of XFG
Public Health Risk
Severity
Severity of XFG
Experts say the XFG variant does not appear to cause more severe disease.
Public Health Risk
Currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease.
- Variant Name
- XFG (Stratus)
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- First Detected
- January 2025
- US Cases (Late June)
- Up to 14%
- Common Symptoms
- Same as Omicron variants
Sources
COVID cases surge in US with ‘Nimbus’ and ‘Stratus’ variants — Should you get another booster shot?
New COVID-19 Variant Stratus Spreading In US: Here’s What To Watch For
COVID-19 Rising in Much of the US, With Highest Numbers in the West, CDC Says
