Overview

• XFG, a recombinant Omicron subvariant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, was first sampled in January and has since been detected in 38 countries
• Global sequencing data show XFG cases jumped from 7% of samples in May to nearly 23% in June, including about 30% of infections in the U.K. and 14% in the U.S.
• Clinicians report a distinctive hoarse or scratchy voice among XFG infections, although most cases remain mild to moderate
• On June 25, WHO added XFG to its variant under monitoring list to guide enhanced surveillance of its transmissibility and clinical impact
• Laboratory analyses indicate existing vaccines targeting JN.1 and antivirals such as Paxlovid and remdesivir should continue to protect against severe disease from XFG