Australia on alert: New Covid-19 variant spreading faster

A new coronavirus variant, LB.1, is circulating in Australia, and experts are warning that it could spread faster than previous variants. While the LB.1 variant has been confirmed in the country, the JN.1 variant, along with its related KP.2 and KP.3 variants, remains the predominant strain.

Overview of LB.1

• Designation: LB.1 is referred to as D-FLiRT by epidemiologists because of changes in the virus’s spike proteins.
• Transmissibility: According to Professor Adrian Esterman, LB.1 is almost certainly more transmissible than KP.2, though it does not yet outperform KP.3 and its descendants in terms of spread.
• Severity: All descendants of JN.1, including LB.1, show similar severity. Current vaccines and oral antivirals are still effective, though their efficacy is somewhat reduced.

Why is LB.1 called D-FLiRT?

• Naming origin: The acronym D-FLiRT comes from specific mutations in the variant’s spike protein, which includes the letters F, L, R and T.
• Significance of D: Paul Griffin, an infectious disease expert, explains that the ‘D’ stands for a “missing piece” in the spike protein, making the immune system’s recognition of the virus less effective and allowing easier spread.

Current situation in US

• Prevalence: In the United States, the KP.2 and KP.3 variants are the majority, making up 37% and 24% of new cases, respectively, over the two weeks leading up to 6 July. LB.1 accounted for 15% of infections.

Australia’s COVID-19 status

• Peak and predictions: Australia appears to be nearing a peak in COVID-19 cases this winter. However, it’s challenging to predict if LB.1 will trigger a new wave.
• Additional respiratory infections: The current surge in COVID-19 cases overlaps with the flu season and other respiratory infections like mycoplasma and whooping cough.
• Case trends: Recent reports indicate a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions in NSW and Victoria, although there may be delays in data reporting.