The new «Stratus» coronavirus strain, though highly contagious, presents symptoms akin to a typical acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), usually running a mild course without complications.
The «Stratus» strain of coronavirus is rapidly spreading across Russia, as reported by Anna Popova, head of Rospotrebnadzor. The agency has confirmed 384 cases to date. While highly transmissible, the illness typically manifests in a mild form. Common symptoms reported among those infected include cough, sore throat, hoarseness, runny nose, headache, general weakness, fatigue, and muscle aches. The infection rarely leads to serious complications.
Expert Opinion: Alexander Chepurnov
Alexander Chepurnov, chief researcher at the Institute of Virology, Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, commented:
Alexander ChepurnovChief Researcher, Institute of Virology, Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch of RASThis is just another iteration of the Omicron variant, which has been with us for a long time, proving highly prolific and generating numerous versions and sub-variants. This new version features intriguing mutations: on one hand, these changes quite clearly lead to increased resistance against existing immunity, whether acquired from previous infections or vaccination. On the other hand, it`s believed to be slightly less efficient at infecting cells, yet this hasn`t hindered its rapid global spread. As for the disease`s progression, it doesn`t significantly differ from other variants. Fortunately, the overall severity has become considerably milder and easier to manage. It`s also worth noting that this particular version was first isolated and identified in Canada in January 2025, reaching Russia by April. It now accounts for well over half of all infection cases, but it poses no additional threat. We do not foresee it leading to a catastrophic surge in cases or necessitating the re-establishment of COVID hospitals.
New strains are capable of infecting individuals who have already developed immunity, though this typically doesn`t lead to severe complications. Virologist Pavel Volchkov elaborates:
Expert Opinion: Pavel Volchkov
This is simply the same COVID, just another one of its modifications. New strains primarily acquire mutations that enable them to reinfect individuals who have already developed immunity. Typically, this does not lead to any severe complications; it presents like a classic ARVI, causing upper respiratory tract infections, a runny nose, and, as usual, a fever – this is the most common manifestation. In rare instances, it might lead to more significant systemic infections, such as body aches, muscle pain, or profound general weakness. This occurs less frequently, but is still possible, depending on the viral load you received and how effectively your immune system initially countered the virus`s entry. For most people, the current strain is safe. Those at risk are primarily children, especially those who have never encountered SARS-CoV-2, and individuals with underlying health conditions, such as the elderly, whose immune systems, unfortunately, are not as robust. The more social contacts you have daily, the higher your likelihood of infection—it`s that simple. And in crowded places, you maximally expose yourself to the risk of viral infection, not just SARS-CoV-2, but any other respiratory or viral infection.
«Is it time to start wearing masks again?»
No, the need for masks was during the pandemic, when there was a large population of, so to speak, `naïve` individuals, people without immunity. Unimmune individuals, consequently, easily contracted and rapidly transmitted the viral infection to other similar `naïve` people without immunity. Currently, there are virtually no `naïve` individuals left, except for children who haven`t been exposed and a few adults who miraculously avoided contact with coronavirus. However, overall, the level of population immunity in the Russian Federation, and especially in Moscow, is very high.
The Moscow Department of Health previously stated that it has been monitoring the «Stratus» coronavirus strain since May. It currently accounts for 22% of all viral infections, but the department assures that «the new strain is under control: there is no cause for concern.»
