LP 8.1 was first detected in July 2024 and is now the third most prevalent strain in New South Wales.
It originates from the Omicron lineage, specifically KP.1.1.3, a descendant of JN.1, which triggered widespread infections globally in late 2023 and early 2024.
In January, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated LP.8.1 a variant under monitoring due to its notable global expansion, though it deems the additional public health risk worldwide to be low.
Experts say LP.8.1’s symptoms align with those of other circulating strains, showing no heightened severity, suggesting it won’t significantly alter the pandemic’s path. Australia has tallied nearly 45,000 new COVID-19 cases in 2025, with approximately 260 individuals currently in hospital. The true case count is likely far higher, as testing and reporting have waned.
Health officials assure that existing COVID-19 vaccines, including the latest JN.1-targeted shots, defend against severe disease and symptomatic infection from LP.8.1.