As Covid deaths rise worldwide, a dominant strain known as “American Covid” is fueling fresh concerns, with experts warning of an unexpected symptom that could be mistaken for conjunctivitis, even without the usual signs of infection.
The days of lockdowns, mandatory masks and social distancing may be behind us, but Covid-19 is far from gone, and a recent rise in global infections is reminding health officials that the virus remains a threat.
Among the variants drawing renewed attention is the highly contagious XFG, also known as Stratus, which has been circulating internationally for more than a year and is now considered a dominant strain.
It has also earned the nickname “American Covid” after spreading rapidly across the US, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stresses that there evidence that it causes more severe illness than other circulating variants.
Nevertheless, the numbers are giving health experts reason to pay attention.
Global deaths surged 57%
As of Oct. 16, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that Covid infections were increasing in 11 states, remaining stable in 33 and declining in seven.
Although national activity was still considered low, wastewater surveillance suggested the virus was spreading more rapidly in several regions.
“We’ve been seeing a pretty steady increase since late June across the (U.S.),” Amanda Bidwell, scientific program manager at WastewaterSCAN, told TODAY.
By late August, concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater had increased 140% compared with July.
“In the west and south we’ve surpassed the peak concentrations observed during the winter peak (2025-2026),” Bidwell added.
Across the Atlantic, the numbers were equally concerning, with the UKHSA recording a 13.5% increase in weekly Covid cases as of Oct. 7, while hospital admissions climbed 33.5% and reported deaths rose 46.4% over their respective reporting periods.
And the concern extends well beyond the US and UK, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 69,783 new Covid cases across 61 countries between Sept. 7 and Oct. 4, while reported deaths surged 57% compared with the previous reporting period.
However, the reported figures likely capture only a fraction of actual infections, as testing and reporting have declined.
Symptoms of ‘American Covid’
Despite its alarming nickname, XFG generally causes symptoms similar to those associated with earlier Covid variants, with most otherwise healthy people experiencing an illness resembling a bad cold.
However, some patients have reported an unusually painful sore throat, alongside more familiar symptoms such as coughing, congestion, fever and fatigue.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems remain at greater risk of serious complications, making it especially important to recognize symptoms and avoid spreading the virus.
But beyond the symptoms most people associate with a respiratory infection, experts are drawing attention to another possible warning sign that could easily be mistaken for something else.
Covid symptom that appears in eyes
Watery, irritated or unusually red eyes might seem like allergies or a minor infection, but they can also occur in people infected with Covid-19.
Eye-related symptoms have been documented since the early pandemic, with a 2021 review of 38 studies finding that approximately 11% of Covid patients experienced some form of eye involvement.
Pharmacist Noel Wicks explained that conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can sometimes appear before other Covid symptoms or even occur on its own.
“The COVID-19 virus can enter the body through our eyes where it may cause symptoms,” he told the Mirror.
“Clinical studies have demonstrated that conjunctivitis (red eye) is present in people who test positive for coronavirus, with rates of conjunctivitis ranging from 2% to over 14%, even if people don’t have any other COVID symptoms. In fact, conjunctivitis can be the first and/or the only symptom of COVID,” Wicks said, citing a recent study where “3,383 people confirmed conjunctivitis as the most common COVID-related eye condition.”
Wicks also warned that “when a droplet containing the virus lands on the surface of the eye, the virus likely travels from the eye surface into the internal cavity of the eye reaching the retina at the back of the eye.”
In addition, he said that “conjunctivitis usually strikes when a person’s immune system is low.”
“So, if you catch Covid, you may be more susceptible to conjunctivitis too. Over the winter, winter conditions and poor immune function together with rising COVID cases creates a perfect storm for conjunctivitis,” Wicks explained.
Are you still taking precautions against Covid, or have you returned to your pre-pandemic habits? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments and then share this story to help spread awareness!
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