‘Razor Blade’ COVID-19 Variant Stratus Drives Up Cases In PA

The Stratus “razor blade” variant is driving up COVID-19 cases in much of the country, according to new government estimates. In Pennsylvania, case activity is growing, according to statistics from the CDC, though overall numbers remain low.

The XFG variant was first detected in January in southeast Asia, and the earliest U.S. case was in March. In mid-June, XFG comprised still comprised just 14 cases nationwide, but today, it's the dominant variant in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s wastewater surveillance data.

The agency said COVID-19 cases are growing or likely growing in 34 states and remain unchanged in 14. Both the percentage of positive laboratory tests and the number of emergency department visits among people of all ages are increasing.

Here’s a snapshot of activity in Pennsylvania as of Tuesday, Aug. 19:

• COVID-19 is responsible for 0.4 percent of all emergency room visits in Pennsylvania, a slight increase from 0.2 percent two months ago
• Viral activity in wastewater is "low" in Pennsylvania
• There have been 1,216 deaths from COVID-19 in the state over the past year, down from 2,866 the year before and just over 22,000 in 2020.

The wastewater surveillance data was collected from 25 participating water utilities around the state.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has not released specific information on the levels of the Stratus variant. They've continued to advocate for regular COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as part of a sound health plan, along with seasonal influenza shots.

Health experts says that XFG causes a severe sore throat and hoarseness, hence the “razor blade” nickname. Symptoms common to other variants include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion and runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

The variant may be better than others at evading immunity protection, according to experts. Although vaccine guidance is changing, the CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against “severe illness, hospitalization and death.”

Related:

• ‘Perfect Storm’ For Infectious Diseases Brews As Kids Head Back To School
• What To Know About ‘Razor Blade’ COVID Variant Stratus
• Do I Need A Measles Booster: What Vaccinated Adults Need To Know