Just when it seemed the pandemic was fading into memory, a new threat quietly emerged—one that’s spreading faster than many realize.
Scientists have identified a stealthy Covid variant, XFG, slipping through communities with subtle signs, infecting people who believed they were safe. What makes this strain particularly concerning isn’t just its speed—it’s how easily it can evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations,
leaving health officials scrambling and the public on edge. Could this be the beginning of another nationwide surge, or is it a contained ripple? The answers are still unfolding, and the stakes could not be higher.
A newly identified Covid variant is rapidly spreading across multiple U.S. states, driving a noticeable uptick in cases nationwide. Known as the XFG variant—or Stratus—this strain has steadily gained traction since first appearing in March, prompting health officials to raise alerts as infections climb.
Recent data from the CDC indicate that viral activity detected in wastewater is now classified as “high” at the national level for the week of September 7, up from a “moderate” rating the week prior. This surge is largely attributed to XFG, which experts believe is more contagious than previous strains due to mutations in its spike protein.
These mutations allow the virus to evade antibodies produced from prior infection or vaccination, enhancing its transmissibility, though current evidence suggests it is not more lethal than earlier variants.
As of September 16, 29 states report either “high” or “very high” levels of Covid viral activity in wastewater, signaling a broadening spread. Meanwhile, nine states—including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, and Delaware—show signs of infections that are either “growing” or “likely growing.”
The XFG variant first appeared in Southeast Asia in January and reached the U.S. by March. Initially accounting for only 3% of Covid cases in May, XFG now represents approximately 80% of infections nationwide as of September 9. This variant is a hybrid of two Omicron subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, combining genetic material from both to bind more efficiently to human cells and facilitate infection.
Symptoms mirror those of previous variants and commonly include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, body aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes loss of taste or smell.
Among the states experiencing growing infections, South Dakota currently reports the only “very high” viral activity in wastewater, while Minnesota and Delaware report “high” levels. Other states range from moderate to very low activity, with North Dakota lacking available data. Delaware’s wastewater levels rose by 2.2% and Minnesota’s by 6% compared to previous weeks, whereas South Dakota, despite the highest activity, experienced a 7% decline.
Certain demographic factors may contribute to these trends. South Dakota’s high proportion of Native American reservations, which often have limited access to healthcare, could explain the elevated levels there. In Minnesota, colder temperatures encourage indoor gatherings, increasing viral transmission, while Delaware’s older population—28% of residents aged 60 and above—faces greater vulnerability due to weakened immune systems.
Encouragingly, the variant appears to be slowing its spread nationwide. Hospitalizations due to Covid decreased to 1.5 per 100,000 people during the week ending September 13, down from 2.5 per 100,000 the previous week. Test positivity rates also declined from 10.9% to 9.5%, and emergency department visits dropped from 1.6% to 1.2%.
These figures suggest that while XFG’s contagious nature has accelerated the spread in certain areas, the overall trajectory of severe illness and hospital strain is beginning to ease, offering cautious optimism to public health officials and communities across the country.
In conclusion, the rise of the XFG Covid variant highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of communities across the U.S. While its enhanced transmissibility has fueled spikes in multiple states, early signs indicate that severe illness and hospitalizations are beginning to stabilize.
This underscores the importance of continued vigilance, including monitoring for symptoms, practicing preventive measures, and supporting public health initiatives. By staying informed and responsive, Americans can navigate this latest wave while minimizing its impact, reinforcing that awareness and preparation remain essential tools in confronting evolving virus threats.