All articles tagged with #subvariants
Health officials in Sonoma and Napa counties are monitoring new COVID-19 subvariants, referred to as FLiRT, through wastewater. These subvariants, which include strains like JN.1 and KP, are more transmissible but do not cause more severe disease. Current levels are low, and officials recommend following standard health guidelines such as vaccination, hand washing, and masking to protect against the virus.
Los Angeles County has reported a slight increase in Covid-19 cases, with daily averages rising from 60-80 to 82-92 cases. This trend, observed from May 10 to 15, coincides with rising coronavirus concentrations in sewage statewide and the spread of new subvariants. However, officials note that it is too early to determine if this will lead to a sustained increase.
A panel of University of Utah Health experts provided an update on the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19, discussing the new COVID-19 vaccine and the emergence of three subvariants of omicron. The new vaccine has been found to be successful in neutralizing the virus and is projected to be available next week. Despite rising cases, hospitalizations are primarily among individuals who are not fully vaccinated. The panel emphasized the importance of vaccination in reducing community spread and announced that an RSV vaccine is also on its way, targeted for newborns and individuals over 60.
Moderna has announced that initial study data shows its updated COVID-19 vaccine to be effective against the "Eris" and "Fornax" subvariants in humans. Pending approval from health regulators, the updated shot is expected to be available in the coming weeks for the fall vaccination season. Pfizer has also reported that its updated COVID-19 shot, developed with BioNTech, showed neutralizing activity against the Eris subvariant in a study conducted on mice. The Eris subvariant, similar to the XBB.1.5 subvariant, accounted for over 17% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. COVID-19 related hospitalizations in the U.S. have increased by more than 40% from June, but remain over 90% below peak levels during the Omicron outbreak in January 2022.
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations on Long Island has more than doubled in the past month, reaching a total of 157. The increase is attributed to new subvariants, such as EG. 5 and FL. 1.5.1, as well as factors like the summer heat wave and a lack of recent booster shots. Experts warn that the positivity rates are likely undercounted, and caution against complacency in masking and mitigation efforts. A new booster shot tailored to the latest variants is expected in a few weeks. Health officials urge vigilance, especially for vulnerable populations, and emphasize that COVID-19 is likely to remain a part of daily life for the foreseeable future.
US Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths are near new lows, indicating that the virus has become less damaging in a population with strengthened immune defenses. Although new subvariants are on the rise and data reporting cutbacks have clouded recent trends, the US has recorded declining numbers this year following a winter of less intense Covid-19 spread.