"Super Contagious" "Frankenstein" COVID Strain Spreads Across UK

A highly transmissible new COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly across the UK and could become the dominant strain in the coming weeks, Jackie Annett reported for the Mirror.

While Stratus is not yet the dominant variant, it is a growing concern due to its increased transmissibility.

Known as “Stratus,” and colloquially dubbed the “Frankenstein” variant, the strain presents symptoms similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants.

These include sore throat (often described as a “razor blade throat”), fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Some patients have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Dr. Thuva Amuthan, founder of Dr. Derme Skin Clinics, explained that while Stratus is not yet the dominant variant, it is a growing concern due to its increased transmissibility.

“NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the JN.1 Omicron subvariant and has several mutations in its spike protein,” he said.

“These mutations enhance its ability to bind to human receptors and potentially evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations, making it more capable of causing breakthrough infections.”

Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely as they assess the variant’s public health implications.