KP.3.1.1 COVID-19 Variant Now Dominant, CDC Data Shows

The KP.3.1.1 variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19, according to the latest CDC projections. The agency's Nowcast data tracker estimates it accounts for 36.8% of infections, with KP.3 at 16.8% for the two weeks starting Aug. 4.

"The KP.3.1.1 variant is very similar to other circulating variants... we anticipate that COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to work," said CDC spokesperson, Rosa Norman.

The CDC reports a rise in KP.3.1.1 cases, up 14% from its previous projection. Wastewater analysis shows "very high" COVID-19 activity levels in over half of the US states. 27 states reported high levels as of Aug. 9. See map

Variant Details:

• KP.3 & KP.3.1.1 Similarities: Both are descendants of JN.1, which emerged in late 2023.
• Differences: KP.3.1.1 has one more change in the spike protein than KP.3.
• Symptoms: CDC has not identified variant-specific symptoms. Current symptoms range from fever to nausea. See full list

Protection:

The CDC recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, especially the elderly and immunocompromised.

• Author: Ahjané Forbes (aforbes@gannett.com)