Overview

• UKHSA surveillance shows XFG and its offshoots now account for roughly 75% of cases in England, with recorded infections up 7.1% week on week to 1,541 in the seven days to September 3.
• Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre reports XFG at 76.1% of documented infections, with 425 new cases logged in the first week of September.
• U.S. CDC data indicate high Covid activity in wastewater nationwide, and XFG made up about 78% of cases in August in some datasets.
• WHO lists Stratus as a variant under monitoring, citing faster spread and modest immune evasion but no evidence of increased severity, with overall risk assessed as low.
• Clinicians report hoarseness as a common early sign alongside sore throat, congestion, gastrointestinal upset and fatigue, while guidance emphasizes staying home when unwell and keeping vaccinations up to date.