What is KP.2? Everything about new COVID-19 variant that may increase Corona cases this summer

If media reports are to be believed, COVID-19 has not completely gone away. It keeps on lurking around the corner and can unleash the mayhem again. After JN.1, the latest variety of COVID-19 variants is KP.2. It is an offshoot of the omicron variant. The Centers for Disease and Prevention has said that currently, it accounts for an estimated 28.2% of COVID cases after making up just 1.4% of cases in mid-March, reports ABC News'.

What is KP.2?

Some scientists collectively refer to KP.2 and another variant called KP.1.1, which shares the same key mutations, as 'FLiRT'. Both of these are descendants of JN.1, a part of the omicron lineage. They have gained dominance in the last couple of years.

KP.2 vs JN.1

Scientists have said that KP.2 has three additional mutations in its spike protein compared with JN.1. They have also said that it could make it easier for the virus to bypass protection from vaccines or prior infections.

Will KP.2 dominate now?

Talking to NBC News, Dr. Dan Barouch, Director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston said, "It looks like those additional mutations make it more immune evasive, so it’s not a surprise that it would then dominate.”

Covid vaccines less effective

Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have said that the Covid vaccines currently recommended in the U.S. may be less effective against KP.2 than against JN.1. At the same time, it may be less efficient at infecting cells also. It means a higher dose of the virus would be needed to infect someone.

Covid cases may increase in the summer

Virologists in the US have predicted an increase in Covid cases during this summer also, as has been noticed since 2020. If KP.2 continues to gain prevalence, it may happen again, but it would be less dangerous and less dramatic.

FAQs

What is KP.2?
After JN.1, the latest variety of the COVID-19 variants is KP.2. It is an offshoot of the omicron variant. Scientists have said that the KP.2 has three additional mutations in its spike protein compared with JN.1.

Will COVID-19 cases increase in the summer?
Virologists in the US have predicted an increase in Covid cases during this summer also, as has been noticed since 2020. If KP.2 continues to gain prevalence, it may happen again, but it would be less dangerous and less dramatic.