Health officials warn of increasing “Stratus” COVID-19 cases across Russia

The number of coronavirus infections linked to the new “Stratus” variant (XFG) is increasing in Russia, with 384 confirmed cases reported so far. 

Anna Popova, head of Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing), told TASS that the clinical symptoms of this variant do not differ from those of previous strains.

“The number of Stratus cases is growing every day, from 300 to 384, and this trend is expected to continue. The course of the disease remains mild, and Stratus has not caused anything unusual in terms of symptoms. It is more contagious, meaning it spreads more easily. As with previous variants, the virus evolves to survive, and currently, high transmissibility is one of its key properties,” Popova said.

She emphasised that coronavirus infections can have varying consequences, highlighting the importance of following preventive measures and taking care of one’s health.

The Stratus variant was first identified in January in Southeast Asia. While its symptoms generally mirror those of other COVID-19 strains, some patients have reported hoarseness as a potential distinguishing feature.

The World Health Organisation has placed XFG on its variant watchlist but currently considers it a “low” public health risk.

According to WHO, existing COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing both symptomatic and severe illness caused by this variant. 

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

By Tamilla Hasanova