In July, three cases of a new subspecies of the "Omicron" coronavirus 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 Igor Kuzin, the new strain was detected in two women and a man over 60 years old.
The “FLiRT” strain is an offshoot of Omicron and has specific mutations in the spike protein, which allows the virus to more effectively penetrate cells and partially evade the immune response. This means that even previously vaccinated individuals can get sick, although immunity after vaccinations reduces the risk of severe disease.
At the moment, the WHO has not provided a detailed assessment of the danger of the new strain, but emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation at the level of each country. Research shows 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, a significant increase in the incidence of COVID-19 has been recorded in Kyiv 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 the coronavirus in the capital. Residents of the city are urged to strictly observe the rules of self-isolation at the first symptoms of the disease and to contact doctors for timely treatment.
