‘Razor Blade’ COVID-19 Variant Stratus Drives Up Cases In MA

MASSACHUSETTS — The Stratus “razor blade” variant is driving up COVID-19 cases in much of the country, according to new government estimates. In Massachusetts, case activity is growing.

The XFG variant was first detected in January in Southeast Asia, and the earliest U.S. case was in March. In mid-June, XFG comprised 14 cases nationwide, but the NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus” variant, remained the dominant strain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s wastewater surveillance data, XFG is now the dominant variant circulating in the United States.

The agency said COVID-19 cases are growing or likely growing in 34 states and remain unchanged in 14. Both the percentage of positive laboratory tests and the number of emergency department visits among people of all ages are increasing.

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Here’s a snapshot of activity in Massachusetts as of Friday, Aug. 15:

COVID-19 emergency room visits: 0.7 percent

Viral activity in wastewater: Low

The wastewater surveillance data was collected from five participating water utilities in Massachusetts.

XFG causes a severe sore throat and hoarseness, hence the “razor blade COVID” nickname. Symptoms common to other variants include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion and runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

The variant may be better than others at evading immunity protection, according to experts. Although vaccine guidance is changing, the CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against “severe illness, hospitalization and death.”

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