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WHO Lists XFG as COVID Variant Under Monitoring After Rapid Global Rise

WHO assesses XFG as low-risk based on data showing no increase in severity or vaccine escape

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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