The COVID-19 variant known as “Frankenstein” has been detected in wastewater samples from Montreal. Its presence is growing across Quebec, as reported by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ).
Symptoms of the Frankenstein COVID-19 Variant
This variant, classified as XFG, shares symptoms typical of other Omicron subvariants. People infected may experience:
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Runny or congested nose
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Fever
A notable symptom of the Frankenstein variant is hoarseness, which can be accompanied by a severe sore throat described as a “razor blade” sensation. Some patients have also reported gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and diarrhea, though these are less common.
Risk Assessment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the XFG variant as a “variant of interest.” Current data suggests that it does not cause more severe illness compared to other circulating variants. Vaccines remain effective in providing protection against both symptomatic and severe forms of the disease.
COVID-19 Activity in Quebec
COVID-19 activity is on the rise across Canada, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older. In the week ending September 20, over 2,400 confirmed cases were recorded, with a positivity rate exceeding 10%.
In Quebec, the situation is described as moderate but increasing. The INSPQ emphasizes the importance of adhering to basic prevention measures, which remain effective regardless of the variant. These measures include:
- Ensuring good ventilation
- Wearing N95 masks in crowded places
- Isolating if experiencing symptoms
Staying vigilant will help mitigate the spread of this new variant in Quebec.
