Australia is facing the continued emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants more than five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
The latest strain, designated LP.8.1, is rapidly gaining ground in New South Wales, accounting for nearly one in five COVID-19 cases, according to SBS News.
First detected in July 2024, LP.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage—specifically from KP.1.1.3, which traces its roots back to JN.1, a subvariant responsible for significant global infection waves in late 2023 and early 2024. In January, the World Health Organization designated LP.8.1 as a variant under monitoring in response to its notable global spread, though its additional public health risk is currently assessed as low.
Health officials report that the symptoms associated with LP.8.1 are no more severe than those seen with other circulating strains. This assessment comes as Australia records nearly 45,000 new COVID-19 cases this year, with approximately 260 patients currently hospitalized. Experts caution that the true number of infections is likely higher due to reduced testing and underreporting.
Current COVID-19 vaccines, including the most recent JN.1 booster shots, are expected to continue offering strong protection against symptomatic and severe illness caused by LP.8.1. As the country adapts to this evolving viral landscape, public health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and vigilant monitoring of emerging variants.
The ongoing developments underscore the challenges faced by health officials worldwide as they balance reopening strategies with the risk of new variants, even as global attention gradually shifts away from the acute phase of the pandemic.
Read next
04:58
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
05:20
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday he expects to have a one-on-one discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs, as Washington prepares to announce new trade measures on April 2.
17:30
Aircraft crash
A pilot was seriously injured on Friday after his aircraft crashed while performing aerobatic maneuvers during an airshow in southeastern Australia.
12:14
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a national election for May 3, kicking off a tight five-week campaign dominated by cost-of-living concerns. With polls neck-and-neck, both leaders are focusing on tax cuts, energy costs, and healthcare in their bid to win over voters.
03:09
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has set a national election for May 3, as Labor faces a tight race against the opposition.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment