New COVID-19 variant LP.8.1 spreading in Australia
A highly detailed 3D rendering of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19. Variants of the virus continue to evolve, with LP.8.1 emerging as a notable strain in Australia.(AA Photo)
LP.8.1 now represents almost one in five COVID-19 cases in New South Wales, according to local media.
More than five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Australia continues to see the emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The new variant, LP.8.1, is rapidly spreading, accounting for nearly 20% of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales, according to a report by SBS News on Wednesday.
It has emerged as the third most prevalent strain in the state.
First identified in July 2024, LP.8.1 is a variant of Omicron, tracing its lineage to KP.1.1.3, which in turn evolved from JN.1. This subvariant played a key role in the widespread coronavirus outbreaks that occurred globally in late 2023 and early 2024.
WHO declares LP.8.1 as a variant under monitoring
In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified LP.8.1 as a variant under monitoring due to its rapid global spread.
The global health agency has evaluated the additional public health risk LP.8.1 poses at a global level to be low.
The symptoms of LP.8.1 do not appear to be any more severe than other circulating strains, meaning the variant is not likely to make a big difference to the trajectory of the pandemic.
So far this year, Australia has recorded close to 45,000 new COVID-19 cases, while around 260 people are currently in hospital with the virus.
The real number of cases is probably far higher as many people are no longer testing or reporting their infections.
Current COVID-19 vaccines, including the most recently available JN.1 shots, are still expected to offer good protection against symptomatic and severe disease with LP.8.1.
