Even if we would like the Covid-19 is ancient history, it is a virus that is constantly evolving and mutating throughout the world. It thus continues to raise concerns among scientists. Recently, a new variant called KP.2 and nicknamed “FLiRT”, has gained ground, particularly in the United States and Spain. This one would be very close to his elder JN.1derived from the family Omicron, now the majority in France. In a risk analysis on emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, Public Health France stated that “the KP.2 sublineage, derived from JN.1.11.1.2, raises concerns due to its spread in certain countries and its genetic profile which may affect its characteristics”.
The KP.2 variant causing more than 28% of contaminations in the United States
In a document aimed at monitoring the evolution of variants, the American Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), revealed that KP.2 was now the dominant form of Covid-19 in the United States. Indeed, over the weeks of May 11 to 25, this new mutation would be the cause of 28.5% of contaminations compared to 3.8% at the end of March, shortly after its first discovery. If the variant appears to be less active in Europe for the moment, it has already been spotted in 14 countries, including Spain, where the first cases were discovered in Catalonia. According to Public Health France, the KP.2 strain has already been “detected in France but at low levels”. What worries scientists most is that “Slight differences in KP.2’s Spike protein could make it more resistant to vaccines,” as explained by Dr Marc Sala, contacted by the New York Times.
A new wave of contamination feared this summer
As summer approaches, the period when Covid-19 spreads the most, scientists fear a new wave of contamination. Questioned by the Time, Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president of Scripps Research, said that “KP.2 and its relatives will probably cause an increase in the number of cases, but not necessarily a large wave of contamination”. If the KP.2 variant is very little detected in France at the moment, the fact that very few tests sequenced are carried out must also be taken into account.
As a reminder, if you are positive for Covid-19, Santé Publique France advises you to stay up to date with vaccines, to test yourself before a gathering, to stay at home when you are sick, to consider wear a mask and avoid confined and crowded indoor areas.
Sources :
- Risk analysis of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 – Public Health France
- Summary of Variant Surveillance – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- There’s a New Covid Variant. What Will That Mean for Spring and Summer? – The New York Times
- What to Know About the ‘FLiRT’ Variants of COVID-19 – Time
