Real-Time Variant Surveillance•Updated Daily
Latest COVID-19 Variants
Real-time surveillance data on current COVID-19 variants, emergence patterns, and global distribution with the latest genomic analysis.
Last updated: June 22, 2025 • Data refreshed daily
Currently Circulating Variants
NB.1.8.1
Variant Under Monitoring10.7%
Global Prevalence
increasing
Trend
January 2025
First Detected
3
Regions
Key Characteristics:
- Enhanced ACE2 binding (V445H mutation)
- Moderate immune evasion
- Rapid 4-week spread increase
- Descendant of XDV.1.5.1
Geographic Distribution:
Global - 22 countriesNorth AmericaEurope
XEC
Variant Under Monitoring8.3%
Global Prevalence
increasing
Trend
August 2024
First Detected
3
Regions
Key Characteristics:
- Recombinant of two JN.1 variants
- Enhanced transmission (1.5x)
- Hybrid immune evasion properties
- Growing global circulation
Geographic Distribution:
68 countriesEuropeAmericas
KP.3.1.1
Variant of Interest35.2%
Global Prevalence
decreasing
Trend
March 2024
First Detected
2
Regions
Key Characteristics:
- Previously dominant in US
- Declining circulation
- Being displaced by newer variants
- Well-characterized profile
Geographic Distribution:
Global - 95 countriesPreviously dominant
MC.1
Variant Under Monitoring5.1%
Global Prevalence
increasing
Trend
September 2024
First Detected
2
Regions
Key Characteristics:
- Descendant of KP.3.1.1
- Gradual circulation increase
- 3-7% of global viruses
- Steady growth pattern
Geographic Distribution:
28 countriesGradual spread
LP.8.1
Variant Under Monitoring4.8%
Global Prevalence
stable
Trend
February 2025
First Detected
2
Regions
Key Characteristics:
- Recently dominant globally
- Declining as NB.1.8.1 rises
- Well-characterized profile
- Effective vaccine coverage
Geographic Distribution:
42 countriesPreviously dominant
Global Surveillance Metrics
18.3%
Global Sequencing Rate
Percentage of positive samples sequenced globally
Target: 20%
14 days
Variant Detection Time
Average time from emergence to classification
Target: 10 days
147
Countries Reporting
Number of countries with active surveillance
Target: 150+
45,000
Weekly Sequences
New genome sequences analyzed weekly
Target: 50,000
Emerging Concerns & Monitoring
Recombinant Variants on the Rise
Increased detection of recombinant variants showing novel mutation combinations
Key Implications:
- May require updated vaccine formulations
- Enhanced surveillance protocols activated
- Continued monitoring of immune escape
- International coordination strengthened
Regional Variant Distribution Patterns
Distinct variant circulation patterns emerging in different geographic regions
Key Implications:
- Tailored public health responses needed
- Travel-related transmission tracking
- Regional vaccine effectiveness studies
- Enhanced cross-border surveillance
Weekly Surveillance Highlights
June 16-22, 2025
- NB.1.8.1 reaches 10.7% of global sequences, continuing rapid spread
- XEC recombinant variant detected in 68 countries with 8.3% prevalence
- MC.1 showing steady increase to 5.1% of circulating viruses
- No significant changes in hospitalization rates across variants
June 9-15, 2025
- XDV.1.5.1 identified as parent lineage of NB.1.8.1
- Global sequencing rate maintained at 18.3%
- KP.3.1.1 continues decline from previous dominance
- Enhanced surveillance for recombinant variants implemented