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Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that COVID-19 infections are growing across the majority of the United States. According to the CDC, infections are growing or likely growing in 39 states and territories, including Tennessee.
No states or territories showed signs of declining or likely declining COVID rates. Infections were stable or uncertain in 10 states and territories, the CDC stated.
The CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker shows the projections of the COVID-19 variants. Since May, the prevalence of JN.1 has steadily declined while cases of KP.3 and KP.2 have increased. For a two week period, beginning on June 22, 2024 and ending on July 6, 2024, the leading variant in the country is KP.3, accounting for 31.3% of infections.
Local data reflects that of the national level.
In Region 4 — which includes Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina — the KP.3 variant led the way with 34.3% of infections. According to the Tennessee Health Department, 53 new COVID-19 cases were reported on June 27, 2024.
According to CDC spokesperson, Rosa Norman, KP.3 evolved from JN.1, which was the major viral lineage circulating since December 2023.
“Estimates predict that KP.3 is the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant making up 31.2 to 43% of viruses nationally,” Norman told USA TODAY in a statement. “KP.3 is projected to continue increasing as proportions of the variants that cause COVID-19.”
Here is what to know about the KP.3 variant.
What is the KP.3 variant?
According to the CDC, KP.3, as well as KP.2, are descendants of the JN.1 variant. KP. 3 is part of a group of SARS-CoV-2 variants sometimes called FLiRT variants, named after the technical names for their mutations. Other FLiRT variants have also been identified as circulating in the U.S. but have not yet become as widespread as KP.3 or KP.2, said the CDC.
What are the symptoms of the KP.3 variant?
As previously reported by USA TODAY, the CDC has not said if KP.3 has its own specific symptoms. Norman said the symptoms associated with KP.3 are similar to those from JN.1.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Possible symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe and can include the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC recommends seeking emergency medical attention if one experiences the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
