The COVID-19 pandemic might not be over yet, as cases are on the rise in the United States due to new variants like FLiRT and KP.3. US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas on Wednesday and is experiencing “mild symptoms,” according to the White House.
The new KP.3 variant is spreading rapidly, with average daily COVID-19 cases climbing to 307 by early July. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that 36.9% of COVID-19 cases between June 23 and July 6 were attributed to the KP.3 variant.
What Is the KP.3 Variant?
The KP.3 variant is reportedly similar to the JN.1 variant and shares characteristics with the FLiRT variants KP.1 and KP.2. While the CDC has yet to release detailed information about KP.3, health experts are closely monitoring its spread for further insights.
Symptoms of the KP.3 Variant
Symptoms of the KP.3 strain are believed to be similar to those of the JN.1 variant and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC advises seeking emergency medical attention if you experience severe symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, grey, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
WHO’s Latest Advisory
With rising cases globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges people to remain vigilant, emphasizing that COVID-19 is not over. The WHO advises those planning summer holidays to follow COVID precautions, get vaccinated, wear masks, and test regularly.
A WHO statement from July 15 highlighted an increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates from 5.6% to 7.1% across 84 countries between May 27 and June 23. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over falling vaccination rates among health professionals and the elderly, recommending that high-risk groups receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose.
-
-
-
-
