Covid XFG cases surge 230% in UK in one month

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 13 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

UK Covid cases rose 230% from August to September, with hospital admissions jumping from 950 to nearly 5,000.

The UK Health Security Agency recorded a 230% jump in Covid cases from August to September, rising from 1,374 to 4,589. Hospital admissions soared more dramatically, from 950 to 4,939 in the same period. The rate of positive Covid tests in hospitals increased from 5.9% to 7% in September.

The XFG variant, also known as Stratus or 'American Covid', accounted for more than half of positive tests. The strain was first identified in January and has since spread globally from Southeast Asia. In one week alone, cases increased by almost 30%, rising from 1,061 to 1,364 in the seven days to 23 September.

Symptoms include a persistent dry cough, fatigue, high temperature of 38C or above, scratchy sore throat and diarrhoea. The NHS advises people to isolate for at least five days, with under-18s needing just three days. Those testing positive should avoid contact with immunocompromised people for 10 days. People should dial 999 for severe breathing difficulties, coughing up blood, fainting, loss of consciousness or seizures.

Despite the spike, officials stress that Covid levels remain low. Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.' Cases remain far below January 2021 peaks when more than 20,000 people were in hospital.

How it is being reported

• What is XFG Covid strain? Symptoms to look out for as UK cases riseMore than half of the positive tests were found to be a variant of XFGThe Independent · 13 Oct, 11:09
• XFG variant symptoms as American Covid cases soar in the UKThe XFG variant — also known as American Covid or Stratus — is surging across the UK, with hospitalisations jumping from 950 in August to nearly 5,000 in September. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms and how to stay safe.The Mirror · 13 Oct, 10:34
• American Covid XFG cases soar in the UK – key symptoms to knowThe XFG strain, also known as 'American Covid' or Stratus Covid, has seen a 230% spike in UK cases in just one month, with hospitalisations rising sharply too. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms.The Mirror · 13 Oct, 10:23

In this story: UK Health Security Agency · NHS · United Kingdom

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