Overview

• UKHSA data show Covid cases in England rose 7.6% from September 3–10, with XFG, XFG.3 and XFG.3.1 now accounting for about 75% of infections.
• WHO placed XFG on its variant-under-monitoring list in June after global growth since first detection in January 2025.
• Clinicians report a hoarse or raspy voice as a frequent early symptom, alongside sore throat, nasal congestion and more gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and reflux.
• Irish surveillance reports recent weekly increases, with experts attributing roughly 73% of confirmed infections to XFG.
• Public-health guidance emphasizes hand hygiene, ventilation, masking in crowded settings, staying home when unwell and keeping vaccinations up to date, with current vaccines expected to continue protecting against severe disease.