New FLiRT COVID-19 variants sweep across US: CDC report

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NEW YORK, May 9: A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates the emergence of new COVID-19 variants in the United States, identified through wastewater surveillance. Termed collectively as “FLiRT,” these variants have swiftly become the dominant strains across the nation.

Between April 14 and April 27, one of these variants, named KP.2, accounted for a quarter of all current COVID-19 cases in the country. Notably, KP.2 has supplanted the previously predominant JN.1 variant.

Another FLiRT variant in circulation designated KP1.1, is attributed to approximately 7.5% of COVID-19 cases nationwide, as reported by the CDC.

Experts warn that both KP.2 and KP1.1 are likely highly transmissible, suggesting that existing vaccines and immunity resulting from prior COVID-19 infections may offer only partial protection against them.

The CDC underscores that viral mutations leading to new variants are an anticipated phenomenon, noting, “Viruses constantly change through mutation, and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus.”

Megan L. Ranney, Dean of the Yale School of Public Health, expressed concerns regarding FLiRT variants, particularly their capacity to induce changes in the spike protein, a key element in COVID-19 infection.

Symptoms associated with FLiRT variants mirror those of the JN.1 strain. Individuals are advised to remain vigilant for signs such as sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, loss of sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Data from the CDC indicates that only 22.6% of adults reported receiving an updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine since September 2023. Vaccination rates were found to increase with age, with the highest uptake observed among adults aged 75 and older.

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