CDC reports surge in COVID-19 cases due to new subvariants KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1
FDA advises vaccine manufacturers to target JN.1 lineage and KP.2 subvariant in upcoming vaccine formulations
New subvariants have mutations that allow them to evade the immune system more effectively
Vaccination is best tool to prevent infection and severe disease
Vulnerable populations at higher risk of severe disease from these subvariants
In recent times, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases, leaving many wondering why this is happening during the summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in test positivity rate, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. This rise can be attributed to the emergence and dominance of new subvariants KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1 which have several mutations in the spike protein gene that allow them to evade the immune system more effectively.
While these subvariants do not currently cause more severe disease, vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19. The CDC has stated there is currently no evidence that KP.3 or LB.1 cause more severe disease.
As we head into the fall, vaccination remains the best tool we have to prevent infection and most importantly, severe disease. The Food and Drug Administration recently advised vaccine manufacturers to target the JN.1 lineage and, if possible, the KP.2 subvariant in upcoming vaccine formulations. These new vaccines should be available this fall and will generate a more specific antibody response against recently circulating strains.
Covid-19 cases are increasing due to the emergence and dominance of new subvariants KP.3, KP.2 and LB.1.
These subvariants have several mutations in the spike protein gene, allowing them to evade the immune system more effectively.
The elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing severe disease from Covid-19.
Accuracy
An updated vaccine targeting the JN.1 lineage and KP.2 subvariant will be available this fall.
Deception
(80%)
The article provides factual information about the increase in Covid-19 cases and the emergence of new subvariants. However, it makes editorializing statements that could be perceived as attempting to manipulate emotions and create fear. For example, 'These subvariants possess several mutations in the gene encoding for the spike protein, which is targeted by antibodies generated by Covid-19 vaccines.' This statement implies that these mutations make the new subvariants more dangerous than previous ones, but it does not provide any evidence to support this claim. Additionally, 'Despite the summer surge in Covid-19 cases, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe.' This statement could be perceived as trying to reassure readers that they can take actions to protect themselves from the new subvariants. However, it also implies that there is a need for concern and fear about the summer surge. Overall, while the article does provide factual information, it also contains editorializing statements that could be perceived as attempting to manipulate emotions and create fear.
Despite the summer surge in Covid-19 cases, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe.
These subvariants possess several mutations in the gene encoding for the spike protein, which is targeted by antibodies generated by Covid-19 vaccines.
Fallacies
(90%)
No formal fallacies found. However, there are some implicit assumptions and inflammatory rhetoric.
] A trio of new variants — KP.3, KP.2 and LB.1 — is fueling a nationwide surge in Covid-19 cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting an increase in the rates of test positivity (up 1.2%), emergency department visits (14.7%), hospitalizations (25%) and death (16.7%) in the most recent week.
Between December 2023 and May 2024, the JN.1 variant — a descendant of the Omicron strain — was the predominant cause of Covid-19 cases in the nation. However, over the past two months, three new subvariants (referred to by some as FLiRT) have emerged from JN.1 and now account for over 70% of cases.
Three Steps To Help Keep You Safe the Remainder of 2024
Despite the summer surge in Covid-19 cases, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe.
