The Emergence of KP.2: A Highly Transmissible and Immunity-Evading Covid-19 Variant
The KP.2 strain, a sub-branch of the Omicron variant, has two unique mutations that make it highly transmissible and able to evade immunity. This information was published on bioRxiv on May 4 before being peer-reviewed. KP.2 originated from JN.1 and has been responsible for approximately 25% of sequenced cases in the US since April 20-27, according to the CDC. This new variant has two additional distinct mutations compared to JN.1, giving it an advantage in transmission and immune evasion.
Experts, including infectious disease physicians and virologists, have noted that KP.2 is showing increased rates of infection compared to other variants. Laboratory research suggests that current vaccines may only provide partial protection against KP.2. However, it is still too early to issue any warnings that could cause panic in the community.
The emergence of new variants like KP.2 is part of the ongoing cycle of mutation and adaptation of the virus. Covid-19 mutates frequently, creating new strains that are highly contagious
