How threatening is the recently discovered coronavirus strain KP.2?
A new Coronavirus variant known as KP.2 is quickly becoming prominent in Germany, accounting for nearly 20% of new COVID-19 cases. As the warm season continues, experts are watching this trend closely. Is there cause for alarm?
For nearly a month, Germany has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases—despite the typical warmer weather. The culprit behind this spike? The new variant KP.2, which is rapidly gaining ground over the previously reigning variant JN.1. Fear of a summer wave doesn't seem to be warranted just yet, experts say. However, it's essential for high-risk groups to remain cautious.
Data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reveals that KP.2 is currently responsible for about 19% of new infections, with that percentage on the rise. While it's challenging to determine the exact number of COVID-19 cases in the population due to the lack of widespread testing, microbiologist and infection epidemiologist Timo Ulrichs is undaunted. He predicts that KP.2 will continue to displace JN.1.
In the United States, this transition has already occurred. Here, KP.2 accounts for approximately 28.5% of new infections, pushing JN.1's share to 8.4%. The same is true in the UK, where KP.2 held 20% of new infections several weeks ago. But what dangers does this new mutation really pose?
KP.2 can evade immunity more effectively
Japanese researchers have provided a more in-depth analysis of KP.2's virological properties. They found that the effective reproduction number in the US, the UK, and Canada was 1.22-, 1.32-, and 1.26-times higher than that of JN.1, respectively. This indicates KP.2 is more robust than its predecessor. Furthermore, the study reveals that KP.2 has an improved ability to evade the immune system. This means that even those who've recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated can potentially contract the virus.
Ulrichs echoes these findings in an interview with Focus, sharing that KP.2 can more easily bypass the immune system. This is not unusual, he notes, as variants that spread quickly are a natural occurrence in the virus's evolution. But does this faster-spreading variant indicate more severe illness?
The likelihood is low, Ulrichs assures, but he advises that all high-risk individuals—such as the elderly, chronically ill, and immunocompromised—increase their protective measures. Untainted individuals, as well, should revert to standard precautions like handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Vaccinations remain essential, Ulrichs contends. Although current vaccines are less effective against the new variant, they still provide adequate defense against severe infection. He emphasizes the importance of booster shots for all risk groups and those with increased exposure to others.
The naming of the FLiRT variant is based on two distinct mutations: F456L and R346T. These mutations are significant as they're found in the virus's Spike Protein. Specifically, the amino acid F456 now reads as an L, and R346 has been replaced with a T. Previously known mutations make it difficult for the population's immunizations to combat KP.2, experts say. The World Health Organization, too, views the risk associated with KP.2 as low.
It remains unclear whether being infected with a FLiRT variant leads to different COVID-19 symptoms. However, those infected with the variant, regardless of their vaccination status, could develop common Coronavirus symptoms like breathing difficulties, coughing, fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and general weakness.
