Health authorities urge caution as new COVID-19 variant spreads in the Netherlands
Dutch health authorities are urging vigilance after a new COVID-19 subvariant known as Stratus began spreading across the country, coinciding with an increase in positive COVID-19 test results and a rise in virus traces detected in wastewater.
The RIVM reported Thursday that the number of positive test results rose by 21 percent last week compared with the previous week. Sales of home testing kits have also increased. While officials say there is no reason for panic, they urge caution, particularly among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The RIVM continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 variants through nationwide kiemsurveillance—a system in which laboratories analyze positive tests to identify which variants are circulating. Virus traces in wastewater are also closely tracked to detect early signs of new outbreaks.
Since late 2023, the omicron variant and its subvariants have dominated in the Netherlands. The subvariant XFG, informally called Stratus, now appears most frequently in positive samples, and similar trends have been reported in other countries.
The RIVM has previously stated that the overall risk of long-term COVID symptoms has significantly decreased since the pandemic years. Still, it continues to advice people to stay alert as colder months approach.
