Covid cases surge across the U.S with new Stratus variant bringing new symptoms

COVID-19 is spreading across the United States, with health officials reporting an end-of-summer rise in infections

The Independent reported that while the latest wave appears smaller than some previous surges, doctors are noticing changes in the symptoms some patients are experiencing.

The strain currently dominating infections is an offshoot known as XFG, commonly referred to as “Stratus”. It was first detected in January 2025 and has since spread more widely.

Stomach symptoms

The Stratus variant can cause many of the familiar symptoms associated with Covid, including coughing and fever. However, doctors are also reporting more gastrointestinal problems among some patients.

These can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can become serious if they lead to dehydration.

Medical experts say the changing symptoms are not necessarily surprising because viruses continually mutate. As Covid evolves, its symptoms can also vary from one wave to another.

For most people, symptoms can still be managed at home. Health professionals recommend getting plenty of fluids, maintaining adequate nutrition and using appropriate pain or fever medication when needed.

COVID levels rising across the country

Federal data indicates that coronavirus activity has been increasing in much of the United States. Covid levels are currently growing or likely growing in all but two states, according to a Centres for Disease Control and Prevention map.

The percentage of positive Covid tests has also risen since June, pointing to increased transmission during the summer months.

Although the current wave remains smaller than previous summer peaks, epidemiologists warn that infections could continue to increase. The return of children to school could also contribute to further spread, particularly among families and communities with increased exposure to the virus.

Healthy children generally face a lower risk of severe Covid, although they can still become infected and pass the virus to others.

Other reported covid symptoms

The Stratus variant is not the only Covid variant to attract attention in the past year. Another Omicron strain, BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada”, was linked to hospitalisations during December and January.

Doctors have also reported symptoms such as red or itchy eyes and unusually painful sore throats in some recent Covid infections. Because these symptoms can overlap with colds, allergies and flu, identifying Covid based on symptoms alone can be difficult.

The importance of vaccines

Scientists expect Covid to continue evolving as it adapts to immune defences. Updated vaccines are expected to become available in the United States this fall, providing another layer of protection against severe illness.

Covid deaths have declined compared with last year, as have positive tests and emergency-room visits linked to infections. However, the virus remains a significant health concern.

More than 5,800 Covid deaths have already been recorded in the United States this year, according to CDC data, showing that the virus continues to cause serious illness and death despite the lower overall impact compared with earlier stages of the pandemic.