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COVID-19 2024: What is the KP.3 variant and what are its symptoms?

The number of COVID-19 cases has increased across the U.S., with the KP.3 variant still to be the leading strain. The spread could intensify next month.

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The number of COVID-19 cases has increased across the U.S., with the KP.3 variant still to be the leading strain. The spread could intensify next month.
Foto: Cortesía | Google

The KP.3 variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus or COVID-19 has been gaining ground in the United States, with numerous infections detected over the past few months by specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The latest high profile case of COVID is President Joe Biden, who tested positive as he was campaigning in Nevada. He experienced mild symptoms, was put on a Paxlovid COVID treatment, and self-isolated as he recovers.

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What is the KP.3 variant?

The CDC reports that the new KP.3 variant belongs to the FluQE family. It has similarities to the JN.1 variant that caused positive cases in 2023, and could be much more contagious than the Delta variant, one of the first strains of COVID-19. This new variant also comes from the Omicron strain.

Specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention anticipated that by mid-August this year, the KP.3 variant could register an increase in positive cases, even surpassing the KP.2 variant of the FLiRT family that alerted world health authorities a few months ago.

READ ALSO: Extreme heat propagating Colorado bird flu outbreak

What are the symptoms of the KP.3 variant?

  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Nasal congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Low oxygenation

Signs and symptoms caused by the KP.3 variant can develop between two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. According to the CDC, this strain from Omicron has been present since June in the United States.

Preventive measures against the KP.3 variant

  • Constant ventilation of closed places.
  • When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a disposable cloth or your forearm.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • If you register symptoms, go to the doctor or stay at home. Wear a face mask to avoid contagion.
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