The World Health Organisation (WHO) has flagged a fresh Covid variant as ‘of interest’ which demonstrates concerning resistance to antibodies.

In today’s announcement, the organisation has classified the BA. 3.2 strain of Covid as one it plans to ‘closely monitor’, and this strain has already been identified across Europe.

The WHO characterised it as a ‘potentially emerging’ variant which might become widespread.

Currently, the WHO is gathering data for vaccine manufacturers to use in addressing the latest mutations as the winter season approaches, a time when infections are expected to rise.

The UK Health Security Agency has reported that the two most common current variants are the XFG and NB. 1.8.1, often referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus variants.

If the BA. 3.2 variant, which has yet to receive a formal designation, reaches the UK, it is known to ‘evade’ antibodies, thus posing a greater risk for spread among vaccinated populations.

An earlier study published in the medical journal Lancet this year indicated: “Our findings suggest that BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) might enter cells slightly less efficiently compared to the parental BA.3 variant; however, BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) may evade the neutralising antibodies used for COVID-19 therapy or those induced by vaccination with significantly higher efficiency.

“The evasion of antibodies by the variants in individuals vaccinated with the JN.1-booster vaccine was similar to, or greater than, that observed for the currently dominant LP8.1.1 variant. These observations indicate that BA.3.2—particularly BA.3.2 (B)—may spread within populations with high antibody levels, thus warranting close examination.”

It further revealed that earlier this year a ‘highly mutated’ offspring of the omicron subvariant BA. 36 was spotted in South Africa.

It continued: “In April, 2025, the variant, designated as BA.3.2, was also detected in the Netherlands, raising the possibility of global dissemination. BA.3.2 harbours more than 50 S protein mutations compared with BA.3 (appendix pp 2, 13), which might have profoundly altered the cell entry and antibody-mediated neutralisation of BA.3.2. “.

The new strain, dubbed Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG. 3, with some experts suggesting that the variant is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice.

Despite accounting for a large proportion of new cases, experts are not concerned about the spread, noting it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that the most common current variants of Covid-19 in the country are XFG and NB. 1.8.1, often referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus variants in the media. “The most common current variants are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 (sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus and Nimbus variants). Our genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month found that 35% were classified as XFG.3, 28% were classified as XFG, 11% were classified as NB.1.8.1, 7% were classified as XFG.5 and 7% were classified as XFG.3.4.1.

“Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.

“It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.”

The UKHSA has also issued advice this week on what steps people should take if they suspect they have contracted Covid.

It advised: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.

“For those of us who absolutely can’t stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others:

• Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
• Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
• Take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face “