The KP.3.1.1 COVID-19 variant, a member of the Omicron family, has become the predominant SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating in the United States, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For the two-week period ending August 17, KP.3.1.1 is predicted to account for between 31% and 43% of COVID-19 clinical specimens. This marks a significant increase from the two-week period ending August 3, when the variant accounted for between 20% and 26% of cases, as reported by the CDC on Monday.
KP.3.1.1 is among several JN.1-derived variants currently co-circulating in the United States. The rise in its prevalence coincides with elevated markers of COVID-19 activity, including increased test positivity rates, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. These trends are particularly notable among adults aged 65 years and older and children younger than two years.
In response to the rising infections, the CDC recommends that the public receive COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against serious illness. The agency has announced that updated COVID-19 vaccines, which will provide protection during the 2024 to 2025 respiratory virus season, will be available in the fall.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and continued vigilance to curb the spread of the virus as new variants continue to emerge.
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COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 predominant in U.S. as infections rise
cgtn.com
