2024-08-05T18:45:00+03:00 Society 2024-09-15T04:11:55+03:00

Ukrainian news

Cases of new FLiRT coronavirus strain detected in 2 regions of Ukraine

Cases of new FLiRT coronavirus strain detected in 2 regions of Ukraine

Three cases of the new Omicron coronavirus subvariant - FLiRT were registered in two regions of Ukraine during July.

It was reported by the Ministry of Health.

"Three cases of the FLiRT subvariant of the coronavirus were detected last week: two in Kyiv and one in the Ivano-Frankivsk Region. Two women and a man over 60 years of age fell ill," said Deputy Minister, Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin.

The Ministry of Health explained that the FLiRT strain comes from the Omicron variant. Due to specific mutations in the spike protein, the virus binds better to cells and avoids the immune response. This means that FLiRT affects the weakened immune system more quickly, and even previously vaccinated people can get sick, but acquired immunity after vaccination reduces the risks of complications during the illness.

It is also indicated that the WHO does not yet provide a specific assessment of the danger of FLiRT, but notes that it requires monitoring at the level of each country.

"Available research shows that current vaccines, including boosters, remain effective in protecting against severe forms of COVID-19, although they cannot completely prevent infection with the new strain," the agency said.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, at the end of July in Kyiv, the incidence rate of COVID-19 increased significantly in recent weeks and the number of hospitalizations due to the disease increased.