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A new strain of Covid known as Stratus, with variants XFG and XFG.3, is prevalent in the UK, with XFG.3 making up 30% of cases.

Experts have noted that Stratus, unlike other strains, is distinctive for causing a hoarse voice in infected individuals. Despite its prevalence, experts are not alarmed, as viruses naturally mutate over time.

Dr. Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized the normalcy of virus mutations and assured ongoing monitoring of all Covid strains in the UK.

The World Health Organization has classified XFG as a "variant under monitoring" with a low global public health risk assessment. XFG has shown significant growth compared to other circulating variants, including Nimbus NB.1.8.1.

Current data does not indicate increased severity or mortality rates associated with XFG. The WHO has not observed heightened disease severity despite increased XFG cases in certain regions.

Dr. Allen and the WHO have stated that there is no evidence suggesting that XFG and XFG.3 cause more severe illness or reduce vaccine effectiveness.

While new Covid variants like Nimbus have emerged, Stratus, with its unique symptom of a hoarse voice, remains a focus. The WHO has labeled XFG as a low-risk variant globally, with no significant immune evasion compared to other variants.

The WHO believes that approved Covid-19 vaccines are likely to remain effective against the Stratus variant for symptomatic and severe cases. However, further studies are needed to assess the risk of antibody escape.

Dr. Kaywaan Khan has warned that Stratus may have mutations in the spike protein that could potentially evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.