Overview

• In Europe, the ECDC describes generalized circulation of XFG but reports no notable strain on hospitals.
• Sequencing shows rapid gains, with XFG and XFG.3 accounting for 63% of UK samples in August and nearly two‑thirds of global submissions by late August.
• Santé publique France reports more than a 30% increase in cases in the second half of September, reflecting a broader uptick heading into cooler months.
• The nickname “Frankenstein” is unofficial and was popularized by media and social platforms, as XFG is a recombinant Omicron lineage.
• Surveillance remains uneven: the United States reports low‑to‑moderate respiratory activity with wastewater hotspots, Canada saw about 9.6% test positivity in mid‑September, and Japan and Australia note co‑circulation with influenza and RSV; France’s next vaccination campaign begins October 14 with eligibility for higher‑risk groups.