FLiRT variant driving up COVID-19 infections in New Jersey

New data from waterwaste testing indicates New Jersey's COVID-19 category has changed levels, according to the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC).

The viral activity levels in New Jersey are up — reporting as 'moderate' to 'low' from the latest sample testing as of Aug. 22.

The CDC's National Wastewater Surveillance System monitors infectious diseases through wastewater (sewage) across the country to combat and identify early outbreak trends.

As of now there are no other states with low level COVID-19 activity. The viral activity levels for COVID-19 are 'very high' or 'high' among 46 states, including neighboring states such as Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania.

The uptick in new cases is caused by the “FLiRT” variant that has been the dominate strain which has caused the increase in summer cases this year, the CDC says.

The FLiRT variant, which is a similar strain of JN.1 and KP.3, is another form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and stems from the omicron variant line.

COVID FLiRT symptoms

• sore throat
• cough
• fatigue
• congestion
• runny nose
• fever or chills
• headache
• muscle aches
• new loss of taste or smell
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

The CDC said you should seek medical attention if you have 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

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: FLiRT variant driving up COVID-19 infections in New Jersey