**New Covid Variant Rapidly Spreads Across Wales with Unusual Symptom at Forefront**
A new coronavirus variant has surged to prominence across Wales, prompting health officials to call on eligible residents to remain up to date with their vaccinations. The strain, identified as XFG and colloquially termed the ‘Stratus’ variant, is now responsible for more than half of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Wales, according to recent data provided by Public Health Wales (PHW).
What sets the Stratus strain apart from previous variants is a notable characteristic: the development of a hoarse or raspy voice. This symptom, though not exclusive to the variant, has been observed significantly more frequently in those infected with XFG and its sublineage, XFG.3. This peculiarity has caught the attention of clinicians and epidemiologists as they continue to monitor the progression and effects of emerging variants.
The earliest known sample of XFG on UK shores dates back to late January, though the variant did not firmly establish itself in Wales until May. Since then, confirmed cases have been doubling at an alarming rate, raising questions about the virus’s ongoing ability to evolve and spread even as the world moves several years beyond the initial pandemic peak.
Further genetic analysis reveals that XFG and its relative, XFG.3, outnumber other variants found across the region. In fact, XFG.3 has overtaken all other identified strains to become the most common individual Covid-19 variant circulating in Wales at present, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recording similar trends across England, albeit at a slightly lower rate.
While there is currently no evidence suggesting the Stratus strain leads to more severe health outcomes than those previously encountered, researchers have noted its increased capacity to infect cells. Besides the hallmark hoarse voice, a number of patients have also reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea. This broader symptom profile is being closely tracked by both local and national health authorities.
Data released by PHW, as of late June, placed the XFG variant as responsible for 50% of all known Covid-19 cases in Wales. By comparison, the LF.7 strain accounted for 25% and NY.9 for the remaining quarter. Across the border in England, around 30% of confirmed cases are currently attributed to the XFG group of variants.
Healthcare experts emphasise that the continued spread of new variants should act as a clear warning that Covid-19 has not disappeared, and remains a particular threat to vulnerable groups. Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for PHW, reiterated the importance of vaccination, especially for those at elevated risk, and urged ongoing vigilance in the face of the virus’s ability to rapidly adapt.
However, official case figures may not fully capture the spread of the virus, as testing rates remain significantly lower compared to the height of the pandemic five years ago. PHW has acknowledged that most testing now occurs in hospital environments, giving an incomplete picture of infection rates among the broader population. “As PCR testing data for Covid-19 is mainly done in hospital settings the number of cases identified is likely to be an underestimate of the true picture,” a Public Health Wales spokesperson commented.
Despite these uncertainties, the agency maintains that there is no current indication the XFG strain is either more or less severe than previous iterations, nor that existing vaccines are rendered ineffective by the new variant. Surveillance continues, with health officials assuring the public that no large upsurge in cases is apparent at this time, although they caution the situation may change, warranting continued observation and adherence to public health advice.
As Wales grapples with the emergence of this distinctive Covid variant, the public is reminded of the ongoing importance of vaccination, personal hygiene measures, and staying informed as the global health landscape continues to evolve.