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Cases of the latest variant of Covid-19, also known as KP.3, are on the rise in the United States.
According to the information Collected According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the KP.3 variant has become the dominant variant in the US, surpassing the previously dominant JN.1 variant.
Using CDC data Nowcast data tracker During the two-week period from May 26 to June 8, KP.3 accounted for 25 percent of all Covid-19 cases in the US. Other strains of the virus, including KP.2 and “FLiRT,” are also responsible for Covid-19 infections in the US.
Here’s what you need to know about the KP.3 variant of Covid-19.
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What is the difference between KP.3?
KP.3 from the Omicron variant is “a sublineage of the JN.1 lineage,” CDC spokeswoman Rosa Norman previously told USA TODAY.
“KP.3 is derived from JN.1, the main virus strain circulating since December 2023,” Norman said. “It is very similar to the JN.1 and has only two changes compared to the JN.1.”
KP.3 strand b 25% share of new covid-19 cases During the two-week period ending June 8, according to the most recent CDC data available. Behind the KP.3 strand is the KP.2 strand, which accounts for 22.5% of cases, the CDC reports.
What is the status of the US Covid cases?
Although mortality and hospitalization rates have decreased significantly, the data show that positive diagnoses and emergency room visits are increasing.
As of June 10, the CDC reported a 0.4% increase. Test positivity Since last week, and up 16.2 percent due to Covid-19. Emergency room visits from last week.
Covid-19 test positivity by state.
Here’s a chart showing the percentage of positive Covid-19 tests at the CDC as of the end of June 1.
US Covid-19 weekly deaths
The number of Covid-19 deaths recorded in the week ending June 1 (144) was the lowest since March 2020, according to CDC data.
KP.3 What are the alternate symptoms of COVID-19?
In an earlier statement to USA TODAY, Norman said the symptoms associated with KP.3 are similar to the JN.1 variant. Among them:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Loss of new taste or smell
- “Brain fog” (less alertness and awareness)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (stomach upset, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
The CDC notes that the list is not exhaustive of all possible symptoms and that symptoms can change with new variables and vary from person to person.
In general, the agency says: People with covid-19 have a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe pain. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
A covid vaccine will target JN.1.
The main emergence of the KP.3 variant will come at an FDA panel meeting this month to discuss updates on the Covid vaccine.
Season Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Related Biological ProductsHealth experts from vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax each told the panel that they are preparing to offer vaccines targeting JN.1 in August, pending FDA approval.
Updated vaccines are set to be released in the fall ahead of an expected winter spike in Covid-19 cases.
Contribute: Eduardo Cuevas, America Today.