Louisiana
New COVID Variant in Louisiana Has Weird Name, Weirder Symptoms
A new set of COVID-19 variants, which collectively have an odd name to identify them, that have been identified in Louisiana (particularly the northern part of the state) seem to be evidence of a new “summer surge” of the virus that sparked a global pandemic just a few years ago.
Health experts are warning folks about the FLiRT variant – or rather, variants – which stem from the JN.1 variant that was making the rounds through Louisiana in December.
The JN.1 variant was reported to have some unique symptoms, which appeared among those who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Trouble Sleeping: 10.8 percent of those diagnosed reported trouble sleeping.
Increased Anxiety: 10.5 percent of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
READ MORE: The Latest COVID Variant in Louisiana Has Bizarre New Symptoms
But, as most viruses do, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more variations becoming prevalent as spring turns into summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke with a health expert to learn more.
Dr. Krista Queen, Director of the Viral Genomics and Surveillance Center for Emerging Viral Threats at LSU Health Shreveport, viral threats specialist said, “FLiRT is an interesting name for this new variant and it’s referring to a couple of different mutations that are present and actually it’s not just one variant, it’s a group of variants.”
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are a few symptoms specific to FLiRT to watch out for.
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• New loss of taste or smell
• “Brain fog” (feeling less wakeful and aware)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
However, there are currently mixed beliefs on whether or not this could result in a “summer surge.”
“The FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its site. “One of them, KP.2, accounted for 28.2% of COVID infections in the United States by the third week of May, making it the dominant coronavirus variant in the country; another, KP.1.1, made up 7.1% of cases.”
But, the medical site also notes that this variant does not necessarily mean a surge.
“Some experts have suggested that the new variants could cause a summer surge in COVID cases,” the site explained. “But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that COVID viral activity in wastewater (water containing waste from residential, commercial, and industrial processes) in the U.S. has been dropping since January and is currently ‘minimal.’”
How to Prevent Infection
Preventing COVID-19 involves several important steps based on guidelines from health authorities such as the CDC and WHO. First and foremost, getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines is crucial, as they are effective at reducing the severity of illness and preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Hand hygiene is another key measure; washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after being in public places, touching your face, or coughing and sneezing. When soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is recommended.
Government Health Officials Testify On Coronavirus Vaccine Development
Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, particularly in areas with high transmission rates or where physical distancing is challenging, is also important. The mask should cover both your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face.
Maintaining physical distance, ideally at least 6 feet from others who are not in your household, helps reduce the spread of the virus. It’s advisable to avoid crowded places and large gatherings where distancing is difficult. Additionally, minimizing close contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19 is essential, and staying home if you are feeling unwell or have been exposed to the virus is critical.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and smartphones, should be practiced. Using disinfectants that meet EPA criteria for effectiveness against COVID-19 is recommended. Improving indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors, and using air purifiers and exhaust fans to increase air circulation, can also help reduce the concentration of viral particles indoors.
Monitoring your health for symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell is important. If you experience symptoms or suspect exposure to COVID-19, getting tested and following public health guidance is necessary.
Staying informed with the latest information from trusted sources like the CDC and WHO, and following local public health recommendations and guidelines, ensures you are aware of the latest measures to protect yourself and others. By consistently following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Suggested Remedies for Flu and COVID Symptoms from Louisiana
Being sick is the worst! Not only do you feel gross, you have to miss work and pause your life to get better. There may not be a pill or potion that zaps you back to normal, but here are a few suggestions from Louisiana folks to help you through it.
Gallery Credit: TRACY WIRTZ
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – After being hired as the new head coach of the Southern Jaguars, Marshall Faulk made the trip to Central Louisiana to help promote his program.
“These are my eyes for the talent in this area,” Faulk told KALB. “We’re aggressive about recruiting the State of Louisiana, and so when there’s good talent and players coming up here, hanging out with some of the people that I know.”
Southern is Faulk’s first head coaching job after spending last season as an assistant at Colorado.
“I’ve done a lot of stuff in the states that I’ve lived,” Faulk said. “Being born here, I hadn’t done a lot around helping youth sports and helping kids in this environment. I’ve got a lot of information and education around football and things that I can give, and this is a great opportunity to give back.”
The Jaguars only won two games in 2025, but are just two years removed from a SWAC Championship Game appearance.
“Just the guys learning how to practice their willingness to learn,” Faulk said on the traits he’s seen thus far from his team. “They’re wanting their desire to get better, and that’s all you want.”
Southern opens up their season on August 29 against Alabama State at the Birmingham Football Classic.
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Copyright 2026 KALB. All rights reserved.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official completion of the $128 million I-20 Major Rehabilitation Project in Bossier and Caddo Parishes.
[Above photo by Louisiana DOTD]
The project, noted as being one of the largest investments in the I-20 corridor in many years, included a total rebuild of all the travel lanes and ramps at five interchanges from near Hamilton Road to LA 782-2 (Industrial Drive) in Bossier City.
Work began on this I-20 project in September 2023, which included removing all of the original pavement and roadway base down to the dirt – fully reconstructing them with all new material, the first project of its kind for this section of interstate since it was built in the 1960s.
The project also included extensive concrete panel replacements across the Red River on sections of I-20 in Shreveport; drainage structure installation and improvements; new overhead signage and related components; updated street lighting, a new barrier wall, and headlight glare screens; plus fresh roadway striping and reflectorized pavement markings.
The agency said contractors completed all major construction work such as concrete paving by late 2025, with final items – including permanent roadway striping and signage – finished over the last several months.
“The I-20 project is a testament to what we can accomplish when collaboration is at the forefront and everyone works toward a common goal, which is to deliver a large-scale investment that positively impacts the quality of life for thousands of citizens,” noted Governor Jeff Landry (R) in a statement.
“Executing such a vast infrastructure improvement also demonstrates government accountability, effective project management, and a commitment to delivering on our promises,” he said.
“The I-20 major rehabilitation project was a transformational investment in one of the most vital transportation corridors in not only Louisiana, but also across the entire southern United States,” added Glenn Ledet, Louisiana DOTD secretary. “Meaningful advancements like this one help ensure reliability, safety, and resilience – all of which are essential to strengthening the larger transportation network.”
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Our country is the product of our history. And as America’s 250th anniversary nears, those echoes sound with unusual clarity.
Later this year, we will also mark 223 years since Oct. 17, 1803, when President Thomas Jefferson urged Congress to ratify the treaty formalizing the Louisiana Purchase. He said the new territory would bring “important aids to our Treasury, an ample provision for our prosperity, and a widespread field for the blessings of freedom.”
He was right.
From the day Standard Oil built its Baton Rouge refinery in 1909, Louisiana has powered America’s prosperity. Much has changed since Jefferson’s time, but one truth remains: Louisiana’s leadership in energy remains essential to American manufacturing and a cornerstone of our national strength.
Manufacturers champion an “all of the above” energy strategy — a path to unleash America’s energy dominance. And that path runs through Louisiana.
Will Green
The manufacturing industry consumes one-third of the nation’s energy. To lead as an industry, every energy source, every electron counts. Manufacturers understand that leadership isn’t about producing more, it’s about using energy wisely.
Manufacturing is key to Louisiana’s economy, representing 17% of state GDP and nearly $58 billion in output. More than 143,000 Louisianans work in manufacturing, earning nearly double the state’s average wage. Those jobs depend on access to abundant, affordable energy, because manufacturers make energy and use energy.
The resilience, affordability and reliability of U.S. oil and gas underpin our industrial base, our national security and our ability to compete globally. In Louisiana, manufacturers are on the front lines of that effort, onshore and offshore alike from the state’s pipelines to its LNG terminals. And the state has made it clear over the years that energy and manufacturing are top priorities.
But leadership also requires follow-through. Too many critical projects remain stuck in permitting limbo, waiting for approvals that should have come long ago. Louisiana alone has billions of dollars in potential investment literally stuck. Words must be turned into action to move projects forward. With billions on the line, manufacturing needs a predictable permitting process that sparks long-term certainty.
Since day one of President Donald Trump’s administration, he has answered the calls of manufacturers by reversing the previous administration’s ban on liquefied natural gas exports. That decision reaffirmed America’s commitment to lead the world in energy production and trade.
If we want to keep leading, manufacturers need comprehensive permitting reform now. America’s broken permitting system is costing America’s manufacturers $8 billion each year, according to recent analysis by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for American Innovation. It takes roughly 80% longer to approve a major energy or infrastructure project in the U.S. than in other advanced economies. That means higher costs, fewer jobs and slower growth.
There is bipartisan momentum in Congress to get permitting reform done in 2026. America needs a more efficient, more reliable permitting system to build the infrastructure that powers growth and keeps our industry competitive. This year, Congress can deliver the certainty manufacturers need to build faster, invest with confidence and improve the quality of life for all Americans.
We can’t power the factories of the future if we can’t build them.
Louisiana has long shown that energy production and environmental stewardship can coexist. With smart policy, a modern permitting system and predictable rules, that balance can endure.
Two centuries after Jefferson’s words, Louisiana continues to fuel America’s future through energy, manufacturing and innovation.
When Louisiana’s energy and manufacturing sectors thrive, America wins.
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