In July, three cases of a new subtype of coronavirus “Omicron” called “FLiRT” were detected in Ukraine. These cases were registered last week: two in Kyiv and one in Ivano-Frankivsk region. According to information from Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin, the new strain was detected in two women and a man over 60 years old.
The “FLiRT” strain is a branch of Omicron and has specific mutations in the spike protein that allow the virus to enter cells more efficiently and partially evade the immune response. This means that even previously vaccinated individuals can get sick, although immunity from vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness.
The WHO has not yet provided a detailed assessment of the risk of the new strain, but has stressed the importance of monitoring the situation at the country level. Studies show that existing vaccines, including boosters, remain effective in preventing severe forms of COVID-19, although they cannot completely eliminate the possibility of infection with the new variant of the virus.
At the same time, Kyiv has recorded a significant increase in the incidence of COVID-19 over the past few weeks. Since the beginning of July, the number of hospitalizations in the capital has increased several times. If at the beginning of the month there were 20 patients with COVID-19 and one with suspicion in Kyiv hospitals, now their number has increased to 73 people, including 18 children. The average daily hospitalization is about 20 patients.
In July, 900 cases of COVID-19 were registered in Kyiv, while in June this figure was less than 200. Since the beginning of the year, 52 people have died from coronavirus in the capital. City residents are urged to strictly follow the rules of self-isolation at the first symptoms of the disease and to seek medical attention for timely treatment.
