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2mo ago

Argentina Reports Rapid Rise of 'Frankenstein' Covid Subvariant to Nearly One-Third of Sequenced Cases

Health authorities highlight hoarseness as a key symptom, with vaccinations at record lows.

Casos de “Frankenstein” ya superan a los de gripe en varias provincias.
Image
(FILES) In this file photo a syringe is filled with a first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccination clinic at the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA in Los Angeles, California on August 7, 2021. - The United States on September 22, 2021 authorized the use of boosters of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for people aged over 65, people at high-risk of severe disease and those in high-exposure settings to the virus. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP)

Overview

  • ANLIS sequenced 119 samples from 16 jurisdictions and found 30% were XFG and 14.4% were LP.8.1, confirming the recombinant variant’s expansion.
  • WHO data show XFG accounted for 66.4% of global sequenced Covid-19 cases as of September 14.
  • Recent surveillance placed SARS‑CoV‑2 detections above influenza and second among respiratory viruses behind RSV.
  • Reports cite no evidence of increased virulence, and national bulletins describe low and stable hospitalizations.
  • Only 6,438 Covid vaccine doses were administered nationwide from September 18 to October 2, with half in Buenos Aires and CABA, while 13.7 million doses have arrived since early 2023 and 5.8 million have been used.