The “Stratus” variant (XFG) was first identified in January in Southeast Asia. By June, it accounted for 14% of COVID cases in the U.S. While the symptoms of XFG are generally consistent with other COVID variants, some patients have reported hoarseness as a potential distinguishing symptom.

COVID-19 activity is rising in much of the country. Data shows overall respiratory virus spread is very low in the U.S.

A new COVID variant is on the rise amid a nationwide summer surge of cases and it's on track to become the third most common strain. What to know in Tennessee.