A new Covid variant called XFG (Stratus) is driving a surge across the US, now making up 80% of cases since first appearing in March. CDC wastewater data shows viral activity has spiked to “high” in 29 states, with infections growing in nine, including New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.
XFG is a hybrid of two Omicron strains, making it more contagious and better at evading immunity, though not deadlier. Symptoms remain similar to past variants, and while cases are rising, hospitalizations and test positivity have started to decline.
