COVID-19 variant XFG accounted for 0% of U.S. cases in May. By late-June, it became the third-most common strain.

A new COVID variant is on the rise amid a nationwide summer surge of cases. Positive cases in Mississippi are climbing. What are the symptoms?

The XFG variant, known as "Stratus," is gaining traction in the U.S., rising to 14% of cases since May. While the WHO monitors it, the variant's public health risk is considered low, and existing vaccines are expected to remain effective.