LEBANON (Enmaeya News) — October 8, 2025
A new COVID-19 variant ominously nicknamed “Frankenstein” is gaining attention in parts of Europe and the Middle East. Officially known as XFG or "Stratus," this subvariant is a recombinant strain, believed to have emerged through the mixing of multiple Omicron lineages. While it has not yet been designated a variant of concern by the WHO, it is being closely monitored for its high transmissibility, symptom profile, and potential immune escape.
But is it in Lebanon?
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, there is no confirmed detection of the XFG/ “Frankenstein” variant in the country as of their most recent statements. Genetic testing is ongoing, particularly at the National Influenza Center at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, where samples are being sequenced to detect any notable variant activity.
However, public health experts caution that limited sequencing capacity in Lebanon means low-level spread could go undetected, especially if testing volumes remain low or genomic data isn’t shared in real time. Lebanon has conducted variant surveillance before, particularly during the height of the pandemic, but these efforts have slowed significantly in recent months due to funding cuts and strain on the healthcare system.
What is the Frankenstein variant?
XFG, nicknamed Frankenstein, is a recombinant variant, meaning it results from two or more existing COVID variants combining their genetic material. These types of recombinants are not new; other “X” lineage variants (like XBB and XBF) have circulated previously.
Key characteristics of the Frankenstein variant:
Appears to spread quickly
Causes flu-like symptoms that can lead to misdiagnosis: sore throat, hoarseness, fatigue, and low-grade fever
Reported more frequently in elderly and immunocompromised individuals
Has not yet been shown to cause more severe disease or death than other Omicron-derived variants
Turkish health officials recently confirmed rising cases of this strain in multiple regions, prompting increased testing. Similar reports are coming from the UK, Denmark, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Lebanon’s Testing & Preparedness Gaps
Lebanon’s ability to detect and respond to emerging variants remains fragile. While national health authorities remain alert, much of the country’s COVID infrastructure from PCR testing to variant sequencing has been scaled back since the acute phases of the pandemic.
A 2023 study conducted on Lebanese healthcare workers showed that Omicron subvariants circulated for months before detection. Researchers noted significant delays in sequencing capabilities, often due to resource shortages and limited coordination between public and private laboratories.
Simply put, just because a variant hasn’t been reported doesn’t mean it isn’t present.
The Frankenstein variant might not be a monster but ignoring it would be a mistake. Lebanon’s health system has already weathered crisis after crisis. Proactive surveillance, accessible testing, and transparent public communication could help prevent another one.
