Washington, D.C., May 28, 2025 — U.S. health authorities have identified a new COVID-19 variant first detected in China, which appears to spread more easily than previous strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed cases linked to this variant in several states, raising concerns about early community transmission.
Experts note that this variant has several changes in the spike protein, which may influence its ability to infect people and possibly reduce how well current vaccines work. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled this strain a “variant of interest” and is closely tracking its development worldwide.
China has recently seen a rise in COVID-19 infections connected to this variant. In response, U.S. officials have stepped up screening at airports and are urging the public to continue practicing preventive measures such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, especially in crowded places.
Vaccination campaigns continue to be a critical part of efforts to limit the virus’s impact. Booster doses are being encouraged to strengthen immunity, while vaccine manufacturers are working on updated versions to better target new variants.
Health authorities stress that ongoing monitoring and public cooperation remain essential in managing the risks posed by the evolving virus.
