Three Cases of the New FLiRT Strain of Coronavirus Detected in Ukraine

New Variant Raises Concerns

Three cases of the new FLiRT strain of coronavirus were detected in Ukraine in July, the Health Ministry reported on Aug. 4. The cases were found in two regions: Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

The FLiRT strain is a subvariant of the Omicron variant, which is currently the dominant strain of coronavirus circulating globally. The FLiRT strain has two mutations that are not found in other Omicron subvariants, and these mutations may make the strain more transmissible and more likely to evade immune responses.

Growing Concern

The detection of the FLiRT strain in Ukraine is a cause for concern, as it suggests that the strain may be spreading more widely than previously thought. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently monitoring the FLiRT strain and has urged countries to strengthen their surveillance and response measures.

The FLiRT strain is a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. It is important to continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask in indoor public settings, and practicing social distancing.