Ireland is currently experiencing a rise in Covid-19 infections, driven by a rapidly spreading new strain that presents with mild, easily overlooked symptoms, reports The Mirror.
Within the past week, 461 fresh cases have been confirmed across the country, with health authorities identifying the XFG variant – commonly known as Stratus – as the key contributor.
Figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reveal that this strain now dominates the landscape of confirmed cases, having increased from 33% of infections six weeks ago to 87.5% this week. This makes it responsible for nearly all new Covid cases in Ireland, reports The Mirror.
The HPSC reported that nine counties had more than 20 new cases over the last week. Dublin topped the list with 108 cases, followed by Cork (47), Limerick (34), Galway (33), Tipperary (29), Kerry (23), and Waterford and Donegal, each with 21. Wexford reported 20 cases.
Conversely, Longford reported zero cases, while Mayo had 1, Monaghan 2, Leitrim 3, Kilkenny and Roscommon 5 each, and Carlow and Sligo 7 each, reports The Mirror.
The World Health Organization has labelled Stratus a “variant under monitoring”. Though it is not believed to cause more severe illness, its apparent ability to spread more rapidly is reflected in Ireland’s latest case numbers.
Medical professionals have started to observe new, understated symptoms associated with this variant. One such sign is a hoarse or raspy voice, which may develop before more commonly recognised symptoms, increasing the risk of silent transmission. Harley Street doctor Kaywaan Khan told *Cosmopolitan UK* that “one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice,” reports The Mirror.
This spike in Stratus-related cases follows the major Oasis concerts at Croke Park last weekend, where more than 160,000 people gathered for the band’s “Live 25” reunion performances. Public health experts had previously warned that such massive crowds could fuel the spread of the virus.
Akash Sood from Knightswood Pharmacy shared some advice: “New strands of Covid can infect thousands within metres of one another, so wear a mask if concerned, be safe and enjoy the return of Oasis,” reports The Mirror.
Ireland’s official health advice remains unchanged: individuals who develop any Covid symptoms should stay home until at least 48 hours after those symptoms have mostly or fully cleared. It’s also recommended to avoid close contact with others, especially those considered medically vulnerable, reports The Mirror.
The HSE is again reminding people of the wide variety of symptoms that Covid can cause. These include:
* High temperature (38°C or more) or chills
* Dry cough
* Tiredness or fatigue
* Loss or change in sense of smell or taste – either gone or altered
* Blocked or runny nose
* Red or pink eye (conjunctivitis)
* Sore throat
* Headaches
* Muscle or joint pain
* Skin rashes
* Nausea or vomiting
* Diarrhoea
* Chills
* Dizziness
* Shortness of breath
* Loss of appetite
* Confusion
* Chest pain or pressure
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