A new COVID variant is on the rise in the US. What are its most common symptoms?

July 4, 2024

LB.1 is the newest COVID-19 subvariant to make headlines because it circulates in the USA. The extremely contagious pressure, which emerged shortly after the “FLiRT” variants, together with KP.3 and KP.2, is inflicting an growing proportion of infections.

Because the U.S. sees an uptick in circumstances and emergency room visits across the nation, some are involved a couple of summer season wave.

LB.1 is the third-leading COVID-19 variant within the U.S. proper now, trailing shut behind the dominant KP.3 and KP.2, in accordance with the newest information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of June 22, KP.3 accounts for an estimated 33% of circumstances within the U.S. The following most typical variant is KP.2, which makes up about 21% of circumstances, adopted by LB.1, which is driving 17.5% of circumstances.

Because the finish of Could, the share of circumstances attributable to LB.1 has greater than doubled, per CDC information. Based on some consultants, this new mutated variant could also be on monitor to surpass the FLiRT variants within the coming weeks.

Whereas general COVID-19 numbers, together with hospitalizations and deaths, are comparatively low in comparison with the winter, it’s clear that the virus is on the rise. Is the nation going through a summer season surge?

This is what we learn about summer season COVID-19 traits and the brand new LB.1 variant to this point.

Is there a summer season surge?

In latest weeks, circumstances have been on the rise in most U.S. states, particularly within the West. The CDC estimates that as of June 25, COVID-19 circumstances are rising or possible rising in 44 states, secure or unsure in 5 states, and declining in a single state, Hawaii.

“As of now (early July), we’re not seeing any main nationwide surge in circumstances, however circumstances are transferring up in some locations and regular in others,” Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., virologist at Johns Hopkins College, tells TODAY.com. The nation is probably going at first of a wave, Pekosz provides, but it surely’s nonetheless too early to inform how summer season COVID-19 traits will unfold.

Take a look at positivity was at 8% as of June 22, per the CDC, up 1.4% from the earlier week however decrease than a peak of 12% within the winter. A CDC map exhibits that check positivity is highest in California and the Southwest U.S.

Viral activity in wastewater is “low” nationally, whereas it was “excessive” or “very excessive” for many of the winter. (The CDC not tracks the entire variety of new COVID-19 circumstances within the U.S.)

Based on Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious illnesses at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle, what we’re seeing now’s extra of an anticipated “bump.” Not like influenza, COVID-19 just isn’t seasonal and continues to unfold in the summertime, however these bumps are far much less substantial than winter surges, Schaffner provides.

As summer season trip journey peaks and other people more and more collect indoors within the air con to flee heat waves, COVID-19 is predicted to maintain rising. “If it hasn’t bumped in your neighborhood but, it most likely will after all of the July Fourth journey,” says Schaffner.

What’s LB.1?

LB.1 is a part of the omicron household — the latest nice grandchild, so to talk, says Schaffner. The LB.1 subvariant is an offshoot of JN.1, which was dominant for many of the winter and spring.

“LB.1 is carefully associated to the FLiRT variants, but it surely has a few distinctive mutations in numerous elements of the spike protein,” says Pekosz. These embody key mutations that have an effect on LB.1’s skill to evade immunity.

“We’ve seen mutations like this earlier than with different variants (together with JN.1). … They don’t appear to be significantly regarding or an indication that the virus has modified drastically,” Pekosz provides.

The emergence of LB.1 continues an ongoing pattern, the consultants observe. The SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates and provides rise to new variants, that are higher in a position to escape immunity and outcompete different strains till a brand new one emerges.

Greater than 97% of individuals within the U.S. have pure or vaccine-induced antibodies towards COVID-19, however this fades over time, per the CDC.

Is LB.1 extra transmissible?

A attribute of omicron subvariants is that they’re very transmissible. “LB.1 extremely contagious, and it’s spreading very readily,” says Schaffner.

How does LB.1 examine to different new strains? “It is too quickly to inform, however to this point, there isn’t a sign that it’s extra transmissible than the FLiRT variants,” Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director of an infection prevention at Mount Sinai Well being System, tells TODAY.com.

“It could be extra more likely to escape immunity gained from an infection or the vaccine, but it surely hasn’t proven that it is extra harmful than earlier subvariants,” says Camins.

The latest improve in circumstances seems to be pushed by a mix of recent variants, together with LB.1 and the FLiRT strains. Nevertheless, decreases in testing and genomic surveillance make it difficult to precisely monitor the virus. “It’s changing into tougher for us to get a very good sense of how rapidly a variant is growing,” says Pekosz.

What are the signs of LB.1?

LB.1 doesn’t appear to be inflicting any distinct or new signs and there’s no indication that it produces extra extreme illness, the consultants emphasize.

The signs of LB.1 are similar to these attributable to the FLiRT variants, which embody:

The newer strains seem like producing usually milder infections, says Schaffner.

“Some individuals can nonetheless expertise extreme signs, sufficient to hospitalize them,” says Camins — particularly, excessive danger teams: individuals age 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical situations, and people who’re immunocompromised.

Emergency room visits have elevated by 23% previously week, however are nonetheless comparatively low, and hospitalization charges stay at a gradual degree, per the CDC.

Antivirals comparable to Paxlovid are efficient towards LB.1 and different latest strains, Schaffner notes.

Do vaccines shield towards LB.1?

“The present vaccine will provide safety towards extreme illness,” says Schaffner. Proper now, the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 booster concentrating on the XXB.1.5 pressure continues to be out there. The CDC recommends high-risk teams get a further dose.

The up to date 2024–2025 vaccine to be launched this fall can be anticipated to supply safety, the consultants emphasize. “LB.1 is carefully associated to KP.2, which appears to be like prefer it’ll be the pressure focused within the vaccine for this coming fall season,” says Pekosz.

“Earlier information present that even when the vaccine would not precisely match what’s circulating, there’s cross-reactivity that provides you some safety,” says Camins.

The consultants encourage everybody who’s eligible to get an up to date 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

Tips on testing and isolation in 2024

For those who develop COVID-19 signs or have an publicity, get examined, the consultants emphasize. Testing is a crucial software to guard your self and stop the unfold of the virus.

PCR and antigen exams will detect LB.1 and different new variants, Camins notes. For those who use an antigen check, comply with FDA recommendations to keep away from a false detrimental outcome.

The CDC recommends individuals who check optimistic keep house whereas sick and keep away from contact with others. Based on the present isolation tips, individuals can return to regular actions solely after they’ve been fever-free (with out remedy) and signs have been enhancing for no less than 24 hours.

“For those who’re in a high-risk group and also you check optimistic for COVID-19, we’d offer you Paxlovid to stop extreme sickness,” says Schaffner.

How you can shield towards LB.1 variant

As COVID-19 circumstances preserve rising this summer season, take into account taking further steps to guard your self and others. The CDC recommends individuals: