The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that over a third of COVID-19 cases in the United States are now linked to a new and rapidly spreading group of variants known as FLiRT variants, with the dominant strain being KP.2.
According to the CDC, variants with FLiRT mutations, such as KP.2 and KP.1.1, now account for 35.3% of infections, a significant increase from just 7.1% a month ago. Despite this rise in cases, the KP.2 variant is not fueling a surge in infections as the transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains low and there are no major changes of concern.
The FDA has encountered challenges in identifying the strain to target with the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines due to the rapid shift in circulating variants. The FLiRT nickname stems from specific mutations in the virus, including F456L + R346T, present in variants like KP.2 and KP.1.1.
Health officials have stated that FLiRT variants do not lead to different COVID-19 symptoms and there is no evidence suggesting that KP.2 causes more severe illness than other strains. While the CDC has not altered its current vaccine guidelines, the emergence of KP.2 may impact the selection of vaccines for the fall and winter seasons.
Pfizer has conducted studies on its vaccines in response to KP.2, although results have yet to be disclosed. Moderna has not commented on the matter, while Novavax has reported data indicating cross-reactivity of their vaccine candidate for the fall against the KP.2 variant. Stay tuned for updates on how the evolving situation could influence the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
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