Overview

• Sequencing reported on UK television placed Stratus at roughly 63% of recent cases, with Nimbus around 25%, reflecting its current dominance.
• UK Health Security Agency data show weekly Covid hospital admissions rising to 2.73 per 100,000 from 2.00 the week before.
• CDC wastewater tracking indicates moderate national viral activity, with 19 states at high or very high levels including Nevada, Utah, Connecticut and Delaware.
• Clinicians highlight a hoarse voice and a sharp, “razor blade” sore throat as frequent signs, alongside familiar symptoms such as headache, cough and a runny or blocked nose.
• WHO lists XFG (Stratus) as a variant under monitoring with low assessed global risk, and U.S. advisers recommend the 2025–2026 updated vaccines for people aged 6 months and older.