LB.1 COVID Variant: A new COVID-19 variant is spread alarmingly in the United States. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The US health body maintains that this new variant can overtake KP.3 variant anytime soon.
“There is currently no evidence that KP.3 or LB.1 cause more severe disease. CDC will continue to track SARS-CoV-2 variants and is working to better understand the potential impact on public health
Reportedly, the COVID-19 cases caused by LB.1 variant are rising in California and HHS Region 2, which includes New York and New Jersey. Reportedly, LB.1 is closely related to KP.3, a descendant of JN.1 variant of COVID-19.
Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) maintains that Unlike KP.2 and KP.3, however, LB.1 exhibits an additional mutation (S:S31del) in addition to the substitutions present in KP.2 and KP.3 that designate them as ‘FLiRT’ variants.
Variants with this deletion such as LB.1 may sometimes be referred to as “deFLiRT”, indicating that the variant has the same mutations as other FLiRT variants with this additional deletion, IDSA stated.
Is LB.1 variant of COVID-19 more severe?
Although CDC has also presented any evidence suggesting that LB.1 might be more severe than its ancestors. However, a Japanese study claims that one of the mutations of LB.1 spreads faster than other variants.
The LB.1 strain, a mutation of the FLiRT group, was responsible for 17.5% of Covid-19 cases in the US this year as summer began. Both FLiRT and LB.1 are highly transmissible, as per a report by Indian Express.
What are the symptoms of LB.1?
The symptoms of LB.1 are very similar to those caused by the FLiRT variants, which include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- New loss of sense of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
According to a report by Today, the newer strains appear to be producing generally milder infections.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
