The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that they are now tracking several new COVID-19 variants separately. This includes EU.1.1, a strain that has emerged in European countries. EU.1.1 is a distant descendant of the XBB.1.5 variant, with additional spike protein mutations that may contribute to its spread.
The CDC estimates that EU.1.1 currently represents 1.7% of COVID-19 cases nationwide in the United States. However, in a specific region spanning Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, EU.1.1 may account for as much as 8.7% of cases.
It is still too early to determine whether EU.1.1 will cause new or different symptoms in the U.S. population.
Health officials have stated that there is little evidence to suggest that previous variants of COVID-19 have led to changes in its effects. However, changes in the immunity of individuals infected with the virus over time can impact how they experience the illness. This complicates reports of shifts in symptoms.
According to the CDC, nearly all Americans are estimated to have antibodies from vaccination, previous infection, or a combination of both. The CDC also reported that a growing proportion of hospitalizations and deaths are now due to reinfections.
Increase in EU.1.1 Cases in Utah
Laboratories in Utah have identified the highest number of EU.1.1 infections compared to any other state. The state’s public health laboratory has reported almost 100 cases of EU.1.1 to global virus databases. In contrast, neighboring states like Nevada and Colorado have reported only a few cases of EU.1.1.
Despite the increase in EU.1.1 cases in Utah, the overall COVID-19 trends in the state are similar to those seen nationwide. Currently, Utah is experiencing record-low levels of COVID-19, similar to previous spring and summer months.
Recent projections from a consortium of academic and federal modelers suggest that the U.S. will continue to see declines in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths during the warmer months for at least the next two years. Peaks in cases are expected during the fall and winter but are unlikely to surpass previous records.
Figures from the CDC show that the pace of new COVID-19 hospital admissions and emergency room visits in Utah has slowed or plateaued in recent months. The number of reported nursing home cases in the state is also significantly lower than during previous winter peaks.
A spokesperson for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services did not provide an immediate comment.
Decline of XBB.1.5 Nationwide
The CDC categorizes most COVID-19 variants nationwide into four strains within the XBB family. The largest of these strains, XBB.1.5, is projected to account for 27.0% of infections. XBB.1.9.2 and XBB.1.9.1 together make up 24.4% of cases. XBB.1.16 represents 19.9% of circulating viruses. XBB.2.3 accounts for 10.6% of cases nationwide.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently determined that COVID-19 vaccines should be revised to target the XBB.1.5 variant. However, officials believe that the new shots will also provide broader immunity against all closely related strains and their descendants.
Moderna announced on Thursday that it has completed its submission for emergency use authorization of its updated COVID-19 vaccine. While primarily targeting XBB.1.5, the new vaccine is expected to offer protection against related variants such as XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
