NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS FLiRT AND LB.1

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The emergence of new Covid-19 variants, FLiRT and LB.1, has triggered concerns about a potential resurgence of infections globally.

EXPLANATION:

• These variants, which have shown significant mutations, are driving an increase in Covid-19 cases in the US, UK, and other regions.

Characteristics of FLiRT and LB.1 Variants

• FLiRT Variants
  • Group Composition:
    • FLiRT is a group of sub-variants of Omicron, including KP.2, JN.1.7, and other variants starting with KP or JN.
    • These are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which was dominant in the US during late 2023 and early 2024.
  • Symptoms:
    • Similar to earlier variants, symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and digestive issues.
  • Transmission and Immunity Evasion:
    • FLiRT variants are highly transmissible and have an enhanced ability to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections.
  • Prevalence:
    • Over 60% of Covid-19 cases in the US are attributed to FLiRT variants, with KP.3 alone accounting for 33.1% of infections by early June 2024.
  • 1 Variant
    • Mutation:1 is a mutation of the FLiRT group, with an additional mutation on the FLiRT strains.
    • Prevalence: Responsible for 17.5% of Covid-19 cases in the US as summer began in 2024.
    • Infectivity: Preliminary data suggests that LB.1 is poised to be more infectious and transmissible than its predecessors.

Current Impact and Concerns

• United States:
  • The CDC reported an increase in emergency room visits by over 23% and a rise in Covid-19 deaths by 14.3% from June 16 to 22, 2024.
  • The overall share of Covid-19 deaths remains low at 0.8%.
• United Kingdom and Singapore:
  • These regions have also seen a significant uptick in cases and hospitalizations.
  • In Singapore, cases rose from 13,700 to 25,900 between May 5 to 11, with hospitalizations increasing from 181 to 250 in the same period.
• India:
  • As of May 2024, there were 290 cases of the KP.2 variant and 34 cases of the KP.1 variant reported.

Persistence and Evolution of Covid-19

• Since its emergence in late 2019, Covid-19 has continued to mutate and circulate among humans.
• The ongoing mutations, like those seen in the FLiRT and LB.1 variants, contribute to the virus’s persistence despite widespread vaccination and previous infections.
• Immunity from infections or vaccinations typically wanes after four to six months, necessitating continued vigilance and booster doses.

Preventive Measures

• General Precautions:
  • Maintain social distancing, use well-fitted respiratory masks such as N95 or KN95 indoors, and increase ventilation in indoor settings.
• Vulnerable Populations:
  • Individuals with comorbidities and those in high-infection areas should take extra precautions.
  • Continued booster doses of the vaccine are recommended to enhance immunity against current strains.
• Public Health Recommendations:
  • The US FDA has urged drug manufacturers to target the new variants in their vaccines, emphasizing the need for updated boosters, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/new-covid-variants-flirt-lb1-surge-9438755/