Ishita Roy

Mpox Outbreak: Virus Spreads In US Prison, Infects Inmates

Mpox Virus in US Prison

Second time in two years, the <span>World Health Organisation</span> (WHO) has declared mpox as a global health emergency. The virus has already killed over 600 people and new cases have been reported in Europe and Asia. As of September 3, as per WHO, there are a total of 102,997 laboratory-confirmed cases, 186 probable cases and 223 deaths globally. The global data is up to July 31. 

With the cases being on the rise, the virus has been reported with confirmed cases at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility in the US. However, it is the less serious strain clade II that is detected, though the source and the reason for spread is unknown. The Fort Dodge Correction Facility is Iowa has a population of 1,251. However, the prison staff have told the local press that the situation is under control. 

"We are actively managing the situation with robust health measures," said the Iowa Department of Corrections Chief of Staff Paul Conelius. "Affected individuals are receiving care, and enhanced sanitation and isolation protocols are in place to prevent further spread," he said. 

As of now, mpox clade I is not found in the United States, however, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that when it is found, the virus will "cause lower morbidity and mortality in the United States" than it has in Africa. 

Mpox, a zoonotic disease primarily found in the tropical rainforests of central and west Africa, is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks. The World Health Organisation declared it a global health emergency.

There are certain common signs and symptoms of mpox, which show within 14 days of being infected. The signs include fever, sweating, chills throughout the body, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, migraine, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and back pain.

The infection can spread by skin-to-skin contact, to prevent it, avoid close contact, and wear clothes that cover your skin.

Hydrate yourself, avoid social gatherings. Seek doctor’s help in case you suffer from extreme chills, body pain and fever.

The centre has informed authorities in airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert for the international passengers showing symptoms of mpox, as per a PTI report.

The ministry has also designated three Centre-run hospitals in Delhi - Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College as the key centres for isolation for anyone showing mpox symptoms. These centres will manage and treat the mpox patients.

State governments have identified and designated similar hospitals within their regions.

The Principal Secretary to the PM, Dr PK Mishra also held a high-level review meeting to discuss India's preparedness for mpox and discussed preventive measures to ensure health safety.

Directions are also given for early diagnosis in 32 labs that are equipped with testing. The centre is also focusing on disseminating information on safety protocols and awareness among the healthcare providers to identify the symptoms and treatment of mpox.

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mpox fever

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mpox in US

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Second time in two years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox as a global health emergency. The virus has already killed over 600 people and new cases have been reported in Europe and Asia. As of September 3, as per WHO, there are a total of 102,997 laboratory-confirmed cases, 186 probable cases and 223 deaths globally. The global data is up to July 31. Virus In The US PrisonWith the cases being on the rise, the virus has been reported with confirmed cases at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility in the US. However, it is the less serious strain clade II that is detected, though the source and the reason for spread is unknown. The Fort Dodge Correction Facility is Iowa has a population of 1,251. However, the prison staff have told the local press that the situation is under control. "We are actively managing the situation with robust health measures," said the Iowa Department of Corrections Chief of Staff Paul Conelius. "Affected individuals are receiving care, and enhanced sanitation and isolation protocols are in place to prevent further spread," he said. As of now, mpox clade I is not found in the United States, however, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that when it is found, the virus will "cause lower morbidity and mortality in the United States" than it has in Africa. What Is Mpox?Mpox, a zoonotic disease primarily found in the tropical rainforests of central and west Africa, is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms lasting 2 to 4 weeks. The World Health Organisation declared it a global health emergency.Signs And PreventionThere are certain common signs and symptoms of mpox, which show within 14 days of being infected. The signs include fever, sweating, chills throughout the body, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, migraine, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness and back pain.The infection can spread by skin-to-skin contact, to prevent it, avoid close contact, and wear clothes that cover your skin.Hydrate yourself, avoid social gatherings. Seek doctor’s help in case you suffer from extreme chills, body pain and fever.Where Measures Is India Taking?The centre has informed authorities in airports, ports and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert for the international passengers showing symptoms of mpox, as per a PTI report.The ministry has also designated three Centre-run hospitals in Delhi - Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College as the key centres for isolation for anyone showing mpox symptoms. These centres will manage and treat the mpox patients.State governments have identified and designated similar hospitals within their regions.The Principal Secretary to the PM, Dr PK Mishra also held a high-level review meeting to discuss India's preparedness for mpox and discussed preventive measures to ensure health safety.Directions are also given for early diagnosis in 32 labs that are equipped with testing. The centre is also focusing on disseminating information on safety protocols and awareness among the healthcare providers to identify the symptoms and treatment of mpox.

mpox outbreak: virus spreads in us prison, infects inmates

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You Don’t Have To Smoke To Get Lung Cancer—Air Pollution May Be Just As Dangerous

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1 in 8 babies born premature in india, 17% having low birth weight— health survey blames air pollution

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C-Section Births May Raise Odds Of Leukemia In Children, Study Finds

c-section births may raise odds of leukemia in children, study finds

When researchers from the National Institutes of Health-funded ECHO program analyzed urine samples from 201 toddlers across four U.S. states, they expected to find some chemical exposure. What they didn’t expect was just how many—a staggering 96 different chemicals were detected in the bodies of children aged just 2 to 4.

More than 90% of the toddlers studied carried measurable levels of dozens of environmental toxins, including some that government health agencies don’t even routinely track. In some cases, children had higher concentrations of chemicals than their mothers did during pregnancy. These findings aren’t just alarming—they’re a wake-up call about the hidden toxic load that today’s children are inheriting, right from their earliest years.

The study, published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology, is part of the NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. It involved toddlers from California, Georgia, New York, and Washington, and was designed to examine how early-life environmental exposures may impact long-term child health.

Out of 111 chemicals tested, 96 were found in at least five children. Half of the children had at least 48 different chemicals in their bodies. Most concerningly, 34 chemicals—including nine not currently tracked in national health databases like NHANES—were present in over 90% of the toddlers.

Lead researcher Dr. Deborah H. Bennett of UC Davis didn’t mince words: “This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development. Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function.”

<h2>Where Are These Chemicals Coming From?</h2>

These aren’t exotic or industrial-only chemicals—they’re in your living room, your kitchen, your backyard, and even your diaper bag. The toddlers were found to be exposed to chemicals from:

<strong>Phthalates</strong>: Found in plastics, toys, and personal care items

<strong>Parabens</strong>: Used as preservatives in shampoos, lotions, and even some medications

<strong>Bisphenols</strong> (BPA, BPS): Found in food cans, plastic containers, and receipts

<strong>Benzophenones</strong>: Present in sunscreens and cosmetic products

<strong>Pesticides</strong>: From both home and agricultural use

<strong>Flame retardants</strong> (OPEs): Used in furniture and building materials

<strong>PAHs</strong>: A byproduct of fuel combustion, found in car exhaust, grilled food, and smoke

<strong>Antibacterials</strong> (like triclosan): Found in soaps and sanitizers

Children are uniquely vulnerable, their hands are constantly in their mouths, they crawl on floors, breathe closer to dust and soil, and absorb more per pound of body weight than adults. Daily routines like playing, eating, or even being wiped with baby products can lead to chemical accumulation.

The research didn’t just quantify exposure—it highlighted disturbing patterns. Chemical levels were often higher in 2-year-olds compared to 3- and 4-year-olds, suggesting early developmental stages are more vulnerable.

Firstborn children had fewer toxins than their younger siblings, possibly due to environmental buildup over time in shared homes.

Racial and ethnic disparities were evident. Children from minority communities had higher levels of parabens, phthalates, and PAHs—likely due to product differences and environmental inequities.

While some harmful chemical levels (like triclosan and older phthalates) declined from 2010 to 2021, new chemicals are taking their place, such as DINCH (a BPA alternative), newer pesticides, and herbicides like 2,4-D.

Emerging "safer" replacements for older banned substances are now raising red flags of their own.

<h2>Why Are Children Carrying More Chemicals Than Their Mothers?</h2>

One of the most sobering findings? Children had higher levels of several chemicals than their mothers did during pregnancy—including phthalates, BPA substitutes, and pesticide markers like trans-DCCA. This suggests a growing toxic load in the environment—and in products specifically targeted toward children.

According to Jiwon Oh, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis and first author of the study, “These exposures aren’t just numbers on a chart—they translate into real biological consequences. We’ve linked these same substances to hormone disruption, developmental delays, and even long-term metabolic and cognitive risks.”

The scope of <span>chemical exposure in toddlers</span> paints a grim picture. While most parents do their best to ensure a safe environment, they are up against a system that doesn’t sufficiently regulate what goes into everyday items. The study’s authors are calling for expanded biomonitoring, stronger product regulations, and mandatory labeling to give consumers clearer choices.

The regulatory gap is especially problematic for new and “alternative” chemicals. Just because a product is BPA-free or phthalate-free doesn’t mean it’s safe. Substitutes like BPS or DINCH are often introduced without comprehensive long-term safety data.

<h2>What Can Parents Do To Prevent This?</h2>

While you can’t eliminate every chemical exposure, there are steps families can take to reduce risk:

Read labels: Look for “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free,” and “fragrance-free” where possible.

Avoid plastics labeled #3, #6, or #7: These may contain BPA or similar compounds.

Ventilate your home and use HEPA filters when feasible.

Wash produce thoroughly and consider organic options to reduce pesticide exposure.

Encourage handwashing, especially before meals or after playing outside.

Clean with a damp cloth instead of dry dusting to avoid spreading chemical residues from surfaces.

It’s not about paranoia—it’s about informed action in a largely unregulated space.

This research arrives at a time when public trust in product safety and environmental oversight is already shaky. And it’s forcing a new conversation: Should we be doing more to protect our youngest and most vulnerable?

kids health

toxin in kids

chemical exposure in toddlers

nih chemical study children

hidden toxins in kids

toddler environmental health

plastic toxins children

flame retardants in homes

parabens and phthalates toddlers

When researchers from the National Institutes of Health-funded ECHO program analyzed urine samples from 201 toddlers across four U.S. states, they expected to find some chemical exposure. What they didn’t expect was just how many—a staggering 96 different chemicals were detected in the bodies of children aged just 2 to 4.More than 90% of the toddlers studied carried measurable levels of dozens of environmental toxins, including some that government health agencies don’t even routinely track. In some cases, children had higher concentrations of chemicals than their mothers did during pregnancy. These findings aren’t just alarming—they’re a wake-up call about the hidden toxic load that today’s children are inheriting, right from their earliest years.The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, is part of the NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. It involved toddlers from California, Georgia, New York, and Washington, and was designed to examine how early-life environmental exposures may impact long-term child health.Out of 111 chemicals tested, 96 were found in at least five children. Half of the children had at least 48 different chemicals in their bodies. Most concerningly, 34 chemicals—including nine not currently tracked in national health databases like NHANES—were present in over 90% of the toddlers.Lead researcher Dr. Deborah H. Bennett of UC Davis didn’t mince words: “This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development. Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function.”Where Are These Chemicals Coming From?These aren’t exotic or industrial-only chemicals—they’re in your living room, your kitchen, your backyard, and even your diaper bag. The toddlers were found to be exposed to chemicals from:Phthalates: Found in plastics, toys, and personal care itemsParabens: Used as preservatives in shampoos, lotions, and even some medicationsBisphenols (BPA, BPS): Found in food cans, plastic containers, and receiptsBenzophenones: Present in sunscreens and cosmetic productsPesticides: From both home and agricultural useFlame retardants (OPEs): Used in furniture and building materialsPAHs: A byproduct of fuel combustion, found in car exhaust, grilled food, and smokeAntibacterials (like triclosan): Found in soaps and sanitizersChildren are uniquely vulnerable, their hands are constantly in their mouths, they crawl on floors, breathe closer to dust and soil, and absorb more per pound of body weight than adults. Daily routines like playing, eating, or even being wiped with baby products can lead to chemical accumulation.The research didn’t just quantify exposure—it highlighted disturbing patterns. Chemical levels were often higher in 2-year-olds compared to 3- and 4-year-olds, suggesting early developmental stages are more vulnerable.Firstborn children had fewer toxins than their younger siblings, possibly due to environmental buildup over time in shared homes.Racial and ethnic disparities were evident. Children from minority communities had higher levels of parabens, phthalates, and PAHs—likely due to product differences and environmental inequities.While some harmful chemical levels (like triclosan and older phthalates) declined from 2010 to 2021, new chemicals are taking their place, such as DINCH (a BPA alternative), newer pesticides, and herbicides like 2,4-D.Emerging "safer" replacements for older banned substances are now raising red flags of their own.Why Are Children Carrying More Chemicals Than Their Mothers?One of the most sobering findings? Children had higher levels of several chemicals than their mothers did during pregnancy—including phthalates, BPA substitutes, and pesticide markers like trans-DCCA. This suggests a growing toxic load in the environment—and in products specifically targeted toward children.According to Jiwon Oh, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis and first author of the study, “These exposures aren’t just numbers on a chart—they translate into real biological consequences. We’ve linked these same substances to hormone disruption, developmental delays, and even long-term metabolic and cognitive risks.”The scope of chemical exposure in toddlers paints a grim picture. While most parents do their best to ensure a safe environment, they are up against a system that doesn’t sufficiently regulate what goes into everyday items. The study’s authors are calling for expanded biomonitoring, stronger product regulations, and mandatory labeling to give consumers clearer choices.The regulatory gap is especially problematic for new and “alternative” chemicals. Just because a product is BPA-free or phthalate-free doesn’t mean it’s safe. Substitutes like BPS or DINCH are often introduced without comprehensive long-term safety data.What Can Parents Do To Prevent This?While you can’t eliminate every chemical exposure, there are steps families can take to reduce risk:Read labels: Look for “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free,” and “fragrance-free” where possible.Avoid plastics labeled #3, #6, or #7: These may contain BPA or similar compounds.Ventilate your home and use HEPA filters when feasible.Wash produce thoroughly and consider organic options to reduce pesticide exposure.Encourage handwashing, especially before meals or after playing outside.Clean with a damp cloth instead of dry dusting to avoid spreading chemical residues from surfaces.It’s not about paranoia—it’s about informed action in a largely unregulated space.This research arrives at a time when public trust in product safety and environmental oversight is already shaky. And it’s forcing a new conversation: Should we be doing more to protect our youngest and most vulnerable?

a mix of 96 chemicals and hidden toxins found in 90% of u.s. toddlers, reveals nhs study

American Kids Have Become Unhealthier In The Past Two Decades

Over The Last 2 Decades, American Kids Have Become Unhealthier, Reveals Study

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A new study has found that the overall health of children in the United States has declined over the past 17 years. The reasons? Rising obesity rates to increased mental health issues like depression and anxiety, American kids today are grappling with a broader range of health concerns than ever before.

The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Monday, was led by Dr. Christopher Forrest of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The study is one of the most comprehensive examinations of children's health in the U.S. to date. Using data from eight different sources—including national surveys, electronic health records from 10 pediatric systems, and international mortality statistics—the researchers analyzed 170 indicators of child health.

The findings offer a sobering overview, painting a clear picture of a consistent decline in physical and mental well-being among American children from 2007 to 2023.

Here are some of the most concerning findings from the study:

<strong>Obesity on the Rise:</strong> The percentage of children aged 2 to 19 who are obese jumped from 17% in 2007-08 to about 21% by 2021-23.

<strong>More Chronic Illnesses: </strong>Kids in 2023 were 15% to 20% more likely than kids in 2011 to be diagnosed with chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea.

<strong>General Health Decline:</strong> The number of children affected by at least one of 97 chronic conditions increased from 40% to 46% over the study period.

<strong>Mental Health Red Flags:</strong> Reports of depressive symptoms, early puberty, loneliness, and trouble sleeping all saw significant increases.

<strong>Higher Death Risk:</strong> American kids were about 1.8 times more likely to die than their peers in other high-income nations. Infants born prematurely or those who experienced sudden unexpected deaths were more common in the U.S., and older kids faced a greater risk of dying due to firearms and car crashes.

<h4>The Study Results Are A Health Warning</h4>

“This isn’t just about one health issue—it’s about all of them moving in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Forrest. “The real surprise wasn’t in any single data point, but in how universally the data shows kids' health getting worse.”

The researchers believe these troubling trends are a reflection of larger problems within American society—ranging from poor nutrition and lack of exercise to increased screen time and systemic barriers to healthcare.

“Children are the canaries in the coal mine,” Forrest explained. “When their health changes, it signals deeper societal issues.”

Earlier this year, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, warning that children in the U.S. are “undernourished and overmedicated.” While this report has brought much-needed attention to the topic, experts say that current government policies might be doing more harm than good.

Dr. Frederick Rivara, a pediatrician and researcher at Seattle Children’s Hospital, co-authored an editorial published alongside the study. “The health of kids in America is not as good as it should be and definitely not on par with other countries,” he said. “And the current policies of this administration are likely to make it worse.”

According to the editorial, the MAHA campaign’s focus on chronic illness is undercut by policies that eliminate injury prevention programs, cut maternal health services, reduce funding for infant death prevention, and promote vaccine hesitancy.

Forrest believes that addressing the problem will require more than national policies—it needs a ground-up approach. “We need to examine the environment children are growing up in, starting at the neighborhood level,” he said. “Let’s think of children’s health the way we think of ecological sustainability. If the ecosystem is unhealthy, so are the kids.”

Though the study does have limitations and may not fully represent every demographic across the U.S., experts like Dr. James Perrin of the American Academy of Pediatrics agree: “The basic finding is true,” he said. “Children’s health in America is getting worse—and we need to act.”

american kids have become unhealthier

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us health news

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american kids are getting sicker

A new study has found that the overall health of children in the United States has declined over the past 17 years. The reasons? Rising obesity rates to increased mental health issues like depression and anxiety, American kids today are grappling with a broader range of health concerns than ever before.How Was The Study Conducted?The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Monday, was led by Dr. Christopher Forrest of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The study is one of the most comprehensive examinations of children's health in the U.S. to date. Using data from eight different sources—including national surveys, electronic health records from 10 pediatric systems, and international mortality statistics—the researchers analyzed 170 indicators of child health.The findings offer a sobering overview, painting a clear picture of a consistent decline in physical and mental well-being among American children from 2007 to 2023.What Did The Study Find?Here are some of the most concerning findings from the study:Obesity on the Rise: The percentage of children aged 2 to 19 who are obese jumped from 17% in 2007-08 to about 21% by 2021-23.More Chronic Illnesses: Kids in 2023 were 15% to 20% more likely than kids in 2011 to be diagnosed with chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea.General Health Decline: The number of children affected by at least one of 97 chronic conditions increased from 40% to 46% over the study period.Mental Health Red Flags: Reports of depressive symptoms, early puberty, loneliness, and trouble sleeping all saw significant increases.Higher Death Risk: American kids were about 1.8 times more likely to die than their peers in other high-income nations. Infants born prematurely or those who experienced sudden unexpected deaths were more common in the U.S., and older kids faced a greater risk of dying due to firearms and car crashes.The Study Results Are A Health Warning“This isn’t just about one health issue—it’s about all of them moving in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Forrest. “The real surprise wasn’t in any single data point, but in how universally the data shows kids' health getting worse.”The researchers believe these troubling trends are a reflection of larger problems within American society—ranging from poor nutrition and lack of exercise to increased screen time and systemic barriers to healthcare.“Children are the canaries in the coal mine,” Forrest explained. “When their health changes, it signals deeper societal issues.”National Policy in QuestionEarlier this year, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, warning that children in the U.S. are “undernourished and overmedicated.” While this report has brought much-needed attention to the topic, experts say that current government policies might be doing more harm than good.Dr. Frederick Rivara, a pediatrician and researcher at Seattle Children’s Hospital, co-authored an editorial published alongside the study. “The health of kids in America is not as good as it should be and definitely not on par with other countries,” he said. “And the current policies of this administration are likely to make it worse.”According to the editorial, the MAHA campaign’s focus on chronic illness is undercut by policies that eliminate injury prevention programs, cut maternal health services, reduce funding for infant death prevention, and promote vaccine hesitancy.A Call for Community-Led ChangeForrest believes that addressing the problem will require more than national policies—it needs a ground-up approach. “We need to examine the environment children are growing up in, starting at the neighborhood level,” he said. “Let’s think of children’s health the way we think of ecological sustainability. If the ecosystem is unhealthy, so are the kids.”Though the study does have limitations and may not fully represent every demographic across the U.S., experts like Dr. James Perrin of the American Academy of Pediatrics agree: “The basic finding is true,” he said. “Children’s health in America is getting worse—and we need to act.”

over the last 2 decades, american kids have become unhealthier, reveals study

This Very Painful Symptom Is A Sign You’ve Got The New 'Highly Contagious' COVID Variant Stratus

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Diarrhoea Outbreak In Odisha Kills Two And Over 140 Hospitalised; Is It A Monsoon Menace Or Public Negligence?

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Screen Time Could Be Slowing Your Kids Down, Here's What The Study Says

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man walks into er feeling unwell, hours later starts hallucinating—now he’s battling a rare disorder that mimics mental illness

Just when the world had begun to settle into post-pandemic normalcy, a new COVID-19 variant has entered the spotlight—Stratus, a name now making headlines across the UK. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you will. Stratus, specifically its XFG and XFG.3 sub-variants, is spreading quickly and has prompted health experts to take notice.

There’s no reason to panic. The variant isn’t known to cause more severe illness or to evade current vaccines. But it is worth understanding, especially as COVID continues to evolve and resurface in new forms. The story of Stratus offers insight not just into the virus itself, but how we’ve learned to live alongside it—through better surveillance, faster response, and smarter precautions.

Stratus is not a completely new virus—it’s a descendant of the Omicron lineage, already known for its ability to spread easily while generally causing milder illness than earlier strains like Delta.

More specifically, Stratus is what experts call a “recombinant” strain, formed when someone is infected with two variants at once and those variants mix their genetic material. This gives Stratus its nickname: the “Frankenstein” variant. There are two types of Stratus in circulation:

XFG.3, a spin-off which currently accounts for about 30% of COVID-19 cases in England, up from just 10% in May, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Because of its rapid spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified XFG as a "variant under monitoring", urging global surveillance.

<h2>What Makes Stratus Variant Different From Other COVID Strains?</h2>

Though most symptoms of COVID haven’t changed much with each variant, Stratus may come with a new, unusual symptom: a hoarse voice.

According to some UK-based clinicians, patients infected with XFG and XFG.3 have reported hoarseness more frequently. This could be a result of the strain’s impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the vocal cords but here’s the thing: this is not yet a definitive diagnostic marker. Hoarseness alone doesn’t confirm infection, and not everyone with Stratus reports it. Like other variants, symptoms remain largely dependent on the person’s immune response, vaccination status, and pre-existing conditions.

<h2>What Are the Unique COVID Symptoms of Stratus?</h2>

While Stratus may bring hoarseness into the conversation, the core symptoms of COVID remain largely the same. According to the NHS and UKHSA, people infected with Stratus may experience:

<ul><li>High temperature or chills</li><li>Persistent cough</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Loss or change in taste or smell</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Nasal congestion or runny nose</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Diarrhea or nausea</li></ul>

These symptoms also overlap with seasonal flu and allergies, making it difficult to identify the variant without testing. What makes Stratus stand out so far is its hoarseness, which might be more pronounced than in previous infections.

<h2>Is Stratus COVID Variant More Dangerous?</h2>

The WHO and UKHSA have both made it clear: there’s no current evidence that Stratus leads to more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates, or death compared to other Omicron subvariants.

Dr. Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained that there is no indication vaccines are less effective against Stratus. In fact, immunity—whether from vaccines, previous infection, or both—continues to offer protection, especially against serious outcomes.

It’s also worth noting that hospital admissions and case rates in the UK have been trending downward, despite the rise of Stratus. As of late June, COVID hospitalizations in England dropped from 1.46 per 100,000 to 0.99 per 100,000.

This suggests that while XFG and XFG.3 are spreading fast, they may not be driving a significant wave of severe disease.

Even though it isn’t more dangerous right now, Stratus is spreading quickly—and that alone is enough reason to monitor it closely.

The WHO notes that XFG exhibits “marginal additional immune evasion” compared to previously circulating strains. In plain terms: it might slip past some parts of the immune system, but not enough to trigger alarm bells. Still, it has been seen in multiple countries, especially in South-East Asia, where some upticks in hospitalizations have occurred.

That doesn’t mean we’re on the brink of another global surge. It does mean that global health systems remain vigilant, especially as colder months approach in the Northern Hemisphere.

<h2>How to Protect Yourself from New COVID Variants?</h2>

No matter the strain—whether it’s Delta, Omicron, or now Stratus—the same precautions still apply:

<ul><li>Stay up to date on vaccinations, including boosters recommended by your local health authority.</li><li>Test when symptomatic, especially if you’re at high risk or around vulnerable individuals.</li><li>Practice good hygiene: wash your hands, cover your cough, and sanitize high-touch surfaces.</li><li>Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if transmission is high in your area.</li><li>Take hoarseness seriously if it appears alongside other symptoms—especially if you’ve had recent exposure.</li></ul>

You might be asking: If Stratus isn’t more deadly, why should I care? Here’s why. Pandemics don’t end with a bang—they evolve quietly. Variants like Stratus remind us that SARS-CoV-2 is still adapting, and we need to stay informed even when things seem calm. By recognizing symptoms early, getting tested, and staying up to date on guidance, we help protect not only ourselves but the most vulnerable among us.

So no, Stratus isn’t a reason to panic but it is a reason to pay attention because COVID hasn’t disappeared—it’s just changed its voice.

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Just when the world had begun to settle into post-pandemic normalcy, a new COVID-19 variant has entered the spotlight—Stratus, a name now making headlines across the UK. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you will. Stratus, specifically its XFG and XFG.3 sub-variants, is spreading quickly and has prompted health experts to take notice.There’s no reason to panic. The variant isn’t known to cause more severe illness or to evade current vaccines. But it is worth understanding, especially as COVID continues to evolve and resurface in new forms. The story of Stratus offers insight not just into the virus itself, but how we’ve learned to live alongside it—through better surveillance, faster response, and smarter precautions.What Is the Stratus Variant?Stratus is not a completely new virus—it’s a descendant of the Omicron lineage, already known for its ability to spread easily while generally causing milder illness than earlier strains like Delta.More specifically, Stratus is what experts call a “recombinant” strain, formed when someone is infected with two variants at once and those variants mix their genetic material. This gives Stratus its nickname: the “Frankenstein” variant. There are two types of Stratus in circulation:XFGXFG.3, a spin-off which currently accounts for about 30% of COVID-19 cases in England, up from just 10% in May, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).Because of its rapid spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified XFG as a "variant under monitoring", urging global surveillance.What Makes Stratus Variant Different From Other COVID Strains?Though most symptoms of COVID haven’t changed much with each variant, Stratus may come with a new, unusual symptom: a hoarse voice.According to some UK-based clinicians, patients infected with XFG and XFG.3 have reported hoarseness more frequently. This could be a result of the strain’s impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the vocal cords but here’s the thing: this is not yet a definitive diagnostic marker. Hoarseness alone doesn’t confirm infection, and not everyone with Stratus reports it. Like other variants, symptoms remain largely dependent on the person’s immune response, vaccination status, and pre-existing conditions.What Are the Unique COVID Symptoms of Stratus?While Stratus may bring hoarseness into the conversation, the core symptoms of COVID remain largely the same. According to the NHS and UKHSA, people infected with Stratus may experience:High temperature or chillsPersistent coughShortness of breathLoss or change in taste or smellFatigueHeadachesMuscle achesSore throatNasal congestion or runny noseLoss of appetiteDiarrhea or nauseaThese symptoms also overlap with seasonal flu and allergies, making it difficult to identify the variant without testing. What makes Stratus stand out so far is its hoarseness, which might be more pronounced than in previous infections.Is Stratus COVID Variant More Dangerous?The WHO and UKHSA have both made it clear: there’s no current evidence that Stratus leads to more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates, or death compared to other Omicron subvariants.Dr. Alex Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained that there is no indication vaccines are less effective against Stratus. In fact, immunity—whether from vaccines, previous infection, or both—continues to offer protection, especially against serious outcomes.It’s also worth noting that hospital admissions and case rates in the UK have been trending downward, despite the rise of Stratus. As of late June, COVID hospitalizations in England dropped from 1.46 per 100,000 to 0.99 per 100,000.This suggests that while XFG and XFG.3 are spreading fast, they may not be driving a significant wave of severe disease.Why Is Stratus Being Monitored?Even though it isn’t more dangerous right now, Stratus is spreading quickly—and that alone is enough reason to monitor it closely.The WHO notes that XFG exhibits “marginal additional immune evasion” compared to previously circulating strains. In plain terms: it might slip past some parts of the immune system, but not enough to trigger alarm bells. Still, it has been seen in multiple countries, especially in South-East Asia, where some upticks in hospitalizations have occurred.That doesn’t mean we’re on the brink of another global surge. It does mean that global health systems remain vigilant, especially as colder months approach in the Northern Hemisphere.How to Protect Yourself from New COVID Variants?No matter the strain—whether it’s Delta, Omicron, or now Stratus—the same precautions still apply:Stay up to date on vaccinations, including boosters recommended by your local health authority.Test when symptomatic, especially if you’re at high risk or around vulnerable individuals.Practice good hygiene: wash your hands, cover your cough, and sanitize high-touch surfaces.Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if transmission is high in your area.Take hoarseness seriously if it appears alongside other symptoms—especially if you’ve had recent exposure.You might be asking: If Stratus isn’t more deadly, why should I care? Here’s why. Pandemics don’t end with a bang—they evolve quietly. Variants like Stratus remind us that SARS-CoV-2 is still adapting, and we need to stay informed even when things seem calm. By recognizing symptoms early, getting tested, and staying up to date on guidance, we help protect not only ourselves but the most vulnerable among us.So no, Stratus isn’t a reason to panic but it is a reason to pay attention because COVID hasn’t disappeared—it’s just changed its voice.

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