Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 09, 2025 5 months, 2 weeks, 20 hours, 15 minutes ago
Medical News: A Noticeable Rise in COVID-19 Cases
Italy has recently seen a moderate but clear increase in COVID-19 infections after the post-holiday lull. According to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), the Stratus variant—also known as XFG—now represents over half of all new cases in the country. This
Medical News report highlights that while the rise isn’t classified as alarming, officials are keeping a close eye on the trend and pushing again for widespread autumn vaccinations against both flu and COVID-19 despite emerging data about claims of their effectiveness and their side-effects.
Italy Sees COVID-19 Surge as XFG Variant Takes Over
How Stratus Became Dominant
The Stratus (XFG) variant emerged as a recombinant strain, combining aspects of earlier variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. It quickly overtook other strains, becoming the most common type in Italy. XFG currently accounts for over 50 percent of cases in Italy.
During the week of August 21–27, Italy recorded 1,391 new cases—up from 1,091 the previous week. Globally, data shows Stratus made up about 22.7 percent of submitted samples in late May, rising sharply from 7.4 percent just four weeks prior.
Symptoms People Are Noticing
Doctors in Italy report a return of familiar early pandemic symptoms—especially loss of smell and taste, along with fever and respiratory distress. Additionally, many patients describe a hoarse sore throat (sharp and painful), often compared to a razor blade scraping—something repeatedly mentioned in recent global reports. Other typical symptoms remain: dry cough, muscle aches, fatigue and mild fever. Some are also complaining of breathing difficulties and gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
Italy’s moderate uptick in COVID-19 cases, driven by the now-dominant Stratus (XFG) variant, underscores the importance of vigilance as we approach autumn. The variant’s rise—quick and plainly noticeable—is matched by symptoms that harken back to the early pandemic, especially the return of loss of smell and taste, along with a painful, hoarse throat. With immunity fading and hospitalizations most common among those over 80 with existing health issues, it is vital that public health authorities focus on these vulnerable groups. These steps are key to preventing a heavier winter wave and protecting the most vulnerable in society.
References:
https://www.iss.it/monitoraggio-settimanale
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