International
Posted2024.05.10 14:45 Modified2024.05.10 14:54
Omicron FLiRT variant discovered in US sewer system
Photo = Getty Image Bank There has been a warning that COVID-19 could spread again this summer.
According to foreign media such as Newsweek on the 8th (local time), “FLiRT”, a subvariant of the mutant COVID-19 Omicron virus, is spreading. Lawrence Young, a professor of genetics at the University of Warwick in England, told Newsweek: “FLiRT was first discovered in a sewer in the United States, but its exact origin is unknown,” adding that “FLiRT variants are spreading not only in the United States but also outside the country’s borders.”
Professor Young cited data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and said the FLiRT virus variant, called KP.2, accounts for 25% of new infections in the US.
The virus may be more contagious than previous variants. However, it is still too early to judge whether it is more dangerous. He said: “We need to continue to monitor the spread of this variant of the virus, but it is difficult because testing is currently carried out very rarely.” vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with weak immune systems.” I was worried. At the same time, he said, “concerns are growing that COVID-19 may re-emerge this summer due to the FLiRT variant” and that “infections on a small scale may spread due to the variant of the virus in the coming months.”
Professor Young explained that existing vaccines can also prevent virus variants to some extent. He predicted: “Although currently available vaccines cannot completely prevent new variants, further vaccinations could provide some level of protection.”
The symptoms of the variant viral infection are known to be similar to those of the existing Omicron strain. According to the CDC, symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, body and muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell.
Jang Ji-min, guest reporter of Hankyung.com newsinfo@hankyung.com
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