A NEW more infectious Covid variant is driving a surge of cases in several different countries, health officials warn.
In comes as cases of the bug have started to fall globally.
GettyA new more infectious Covid variant is driving a surge of cases in 22 countries[/caption]
The World Health Organisation has its eye on the new Omicron strain XBB.1.16, dubbed ‘Arcturus’ by variant trackers.
The new bug has already been found in 88 countries and is more infectious than the dominant XBB.1.5 ‘Kraken‘ variant, Maria Van Kerkhove, Covid-19 technical lead for the WHO, said at a news conference.
But more severe illness hasn’t been found in people actually infected with the new variant.
“Most of the sequences [cases] are from India and in India, XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation.
“So, this is one to watch. It has been in circulation for a few months,” she said.
“So far reports do not indicate a rise in hospitalisations, ICU admissions, or deaths due to XBB.1.16.”
The Omicron strain has already been found to be milder than others that came before it.
And the mammoth rollout of vaccines across the UK has meant many already have some level of protection from the bug.
“There are currently no reported laboratory studies on markers of disease severity for XBB.1.16,” said WHO’s weekly Covid update.
WHO reported that about 3.6million new Covid cases and more than 25,000 Covid-related deaths were reported from February 27 to March 26, a decrease of 27 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively, from the previous 28 days.
How to protect yourself
Five million vulnerable Brits are eligible for a spring Covid vaccine to keep them out of hospital.
NHS vaccination director Steve Russell said: “We are learning to live with Covid but it is still really important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection.
“There are still around 8,000 people in hospital with Covid, according to the latest data.
“If you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, please book a vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind.”
For those who are no eligible, experts have previously urged people to stay home when unwell and wear a face covering you must go out.
What are the symptoms of XBB.1.6?
No official data has come out regarding infection signs of the new variant, but as an off-shoot of Omicron, many of its early symptoms should be similar to previous versions of the strain.
According to the Zoe symptom app these include:
runny noseheadachefatigue (mild or severe)sneezingsore throat Read More