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What you should know about new coronavirus variant? A doctor’s perspective
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There is a new coronavirus variant in town. KP.2, a member of the so-called FliRT variants, nicknamed after their mutations, has become the dominant coronavirus strain in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These FliRT variants have certain mutations in common but are still part of the Omicron family of the coronavirus.
For the period from April 28 to May 11, nearly 30% of new cases were caused by KP.2, up from less than 16% in the two-week period before that.
What should people know about this new variant? What are the symptoms of infection? Do vaccines still work against the new strain? Is a home test still reliable? How long should people isolate if they contract KP.2? Who should take antiviral treatments if they contract this type of Covid-19? And what is the guidance for immunocompromised individuals — should they start masking again?
To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
Home tests will likely still detect KP.2, the new coronavirus variant. Grace Cary/Moment RF/Getty Images
CNN: What should people know about this new variant, KP.2?
Dr. Leana Wen: Since the start of Covid-19, we have been discussing new variants. The original strain of the virus was displaced by the Alpha variant. Then we had Beta, then Delta and then Omicron.
KP.2 is part of the Omicron family. It appears to be displacing JN.1 and similar subvariants, which previously were the dominant variants in the United States.
Whenever there is a new variant, there are three key questions to ask: Is it more contagious? Does it cause more severe disease? And do existing vaccines and treatments work on it?
One reason a new strain displaces the previously dominant ones is that it is as contagious or more so. That means KP.2 could spread very easily, which is something we have seen throughout Covid-19: that the coronavirus is extremely contagious and thus difficult to avoid.
The good news is that KP.2 does not appear to cause more severe disease. Indeed, hospitalizations associated with Covid-19 are at record lows. And there is no reason to believe that existing vaccines and treatments would stop working against it.
CNN: What are the symptoms of infection with KP.2?
Wen: Most people who contract the coronavirus will never know what variant is causing their symptoms. Symptoms of Covid-19 infection include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fevers, cough and body aches. Some people may experience more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath. Covid-19 could also exacerbate underlying conditions such as heart failure.
None of these symptoms are specific to KP.2, which so far has not been reported to be associated with unique symptoms that distinguish it from other coronavirus infections. It’s important to remember that in many individuals, Covid-19 symptoms may be difficult to differentiate from other viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.
The European Union and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced plans to convene the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos on 25 June 2026, bringing together senior policymakers, investors, and business leaders to deepen trade and investment ties.
Now in its tenth edition, the Forum has evolved into a key platform for advancing economic cooperation between Nigeria and Europe, with a focus on translating dialogue into concrete partnerships and investment outcomes.
The 2026 edition is expected to centre on mobilising private capital, strengthening value chains, and expanding opportunities for businesses operating across both markets. It will feature high-level discussions, targeted business-to-business engagements, and a curated exhibition showcasing investment-ready solutions.
Speaking ahead of the Forum, Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the milestone edition reflects the growing depth of the partnership.
“The Nigeria–EU Business Forum has become a platform where ambition meets execution. This tenth edition underscores our shared commitment to mobilising investment at scale and delivering sustainable economic impact,” he said.
On his side, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the Forum as a strategic opportunity to attract investment aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities.
“Nigeria remains committed to creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth and investment. The Forum provides an important platform for engaging with investors and partners, strengthening economic cooperation, and advancing initiatives that support enterprise, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” he said
Organisers say the Forum will build on the outcomes of previous editions, with a strong emphasis on facilitating partnerships and strengthening investment pipelines. It is also expected to provide a space for dialogue on policy, financing, and innovation, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading investment destination in Africa.
The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday night confirmed the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of the immediate past minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement by FORCE PPRO, Anthony Okon Placid, the hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.
The rescue, the statement stated, was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations which enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.
The Inspector-General of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved. Their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.
Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the statement concluded.
Armed men who kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have listed some conditions before releasing victims.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the schools attacked are in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities, where the gunmen struck on May 15 and took away students and teachers.
According to Punch, the gunmen have listed four main demands. They want the release of two detained terrorist leaders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and acceptance of Sharia-related law.
The two men they are demanding include Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Mallam Mamuda.
Both are linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, also called Ansaru, a breakaway group from Boko Haram.
The group has been tied to several violent attacks in Nigeria, including the 2022 Kuje prison attack.
Security records show the suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman has already been convicted on a separate charge of illegal mining after admitting it was used to fund weapons for kidnappings and attacks.
He is still in custody of the Department of State Services while other charges are ongoing. His deputy has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts and remains on trial.
The kidnappers are also reportedly asking for about ₦1bn, which they want sent to an account in the Republic of Benin.
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