New Covid Variant 'Stratus' Sweeps 38 Countries: Doctors Warn a Raspy Voice Could Be the First Sign You Have It

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged vigilance on a newly emerged COVID-19 variant, officially labelled as XFG and informally referred to as 'Stratus', which has now been identified in at least 38 countries, sparking renewed attention from public health officials.

According to the WHO, 'Stratus' accounted for 22.7 per cent of sequenced global cases in the week ending 22 June, rising sharply from just 7.4 per cent four weeks earlier—a jump that underscores its rapid global transmission.

It has categorised 'Stratus' as a 'variant under monitoring', meaning its mutation profile and spread warrant close observation. While current data suggest low public health risk, experts remain vigilant due to its immune-evasive characteristics and growing dominance in multiple regions.

Recombinant Origins and Immune Evasion Potential

'Stratus' is not a straightforward descendant of a single strain. Instead, it's a recombinant variant, meaning it formed through the genetic merging of two Omicron subvariants—LF.7 and LP.8.1.2—during co-infection. This genetic fusion may give it an evolutionary advantage.

Scientists have identified key spike protein mutations at positions 478 and 487, which may enhance its ability to evade immunity from vaccines or past infection, to some extent.

Virologist Professor Lawrence Young of the University of Warwick explained to MailOnline that Stratus, particularly its offshoot XFG.3, appears to be 'rapidly spreading' in regions where vaccine-induced immunity has waned or booster uptake has been limited.

Hoarseness: A Subtle Yet Telling Symptom

While traditional COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, persistent cough, fatigue, and muscle aches, remain common, 'Stratus' has introduced a distinctive early sign: hoarseness or a raspy throat.

Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and medical director at Rejuvence Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK that many of his patients infected with 'Stratus' presented first with unusual throat irritation—a symptom easily mistaken for seasonal allergies or voice strain.

'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the 'Stratus' variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice,' he said. 'Though the symptoms manifest differently and vary from person to person, the symptoms of 'Stratus' tend to be mild to moderate.'

'Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection.'

Doctors are now advising the public to treat sudden hoarseness with caution. GPs urge rapid testing even in the absence of congestion or fever, particularly amid rising infection rates.

Rapid Global Spread and Regional Hotspots

'Stratus' has been steadily replacing older Omicron sub-lineages in parts of Southeast Asia and has since gained traction in Europe, the UK, and North America. In England, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that 'Stratus' cases surged from 10 per cent in May to approximately 40 per cent of sequenced samples by mid-June, indicating a clear growth advantage over previous strains.

While the WHO has not declared it a variant of concern, the rising numbers have prompted renewed calls for vigilance, particularly as COVID monitoring systems have been scaled back in some countries.

Are Vaccines Still Effective?

Despite concerns over immune evasion, current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation, according to both the WHO and independent public health experts.

While the variant's mutations may reduce neutralising antibodies, T-cell immunity—the body's second line of defence—continues to provide strong protection against severe outcomes.

Booster shots, especially updated bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron strains, are expected to offer some level of cross-protection against 'Stratus'. Studies on the precise efficacy against this recombinant are ongoing.

What Experts Advise

Medical professionals are urging the public to remain vigilant as the summer season brings an increase in travel and social interaction. Here's what they recommend:

• Pay attention to voice changes: A raspy or hoarse voice, even without classic symptoms, can be an early warning sign.
• Test early: If symptoms arise, take a lateral flow test, especially before attending events or visiting vulnerable individuals.
• Self-isolate if positive and monitor for breathing difficulties, chest pain, or severe fatigue.
• Get boosted, particularly if you're in a high-risk group or haven't had a jab in the past six months.

Health officials reiterate that COVID hasn't disappeared, and as new variants like 'Stratus' emerge, early symptom awareness remains critical to slowing transmission.