2023-04-26 23:56:20
A new Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.16, is spreading in the United States.
This is why some doctors report that it may be causing unusual symptoms. The fast-growing variant of COVID-19 already has a nickname on social media: Arcturus.
It was named for the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere.
Last week, XBB.1.16 accounted for about 10% of cases in the US compared to about 6% the week before, according to the most recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, for its acronym in English).
“It is now widely transmitted and is the second most common variant we see in the United States,” Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells TODAY.com.
WHAT IS THE NEW VARIANT XBB.1.16, ALSO KNOWN AS ARCTURUS?
XBB.1.16 was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2023. On April 17, the WHO designated XBB.1.16 as a “variant of interest”.
So far, it has been detected in 33 countries, including the United States. However, it is currently more common in India.
XBB.1.16 is a recombinant or a hybrid of two BA.2 sublineages, according to the WHO. “It’s part of the extended omicron family, if you will,” says Schaffner.
The WHO considers something to be a “variant of interest” if it meets two criteria:
• If it is circulating widely and has known or suspected mutations that cause significant changes.
• According to experts, in the case of XBB.1.16, its new mutations may affect its ability to spread and evade immunity.
They fear the strain will contribute to a boom in new infections
“It seems to have a mutation that could make it even more transmissible than some of the other Omicron strains… It spreads very easily. It’s highly contagious,” says Schaffner. Because of this, it may be able to “outperform” or outperform other variants, she adds.
The good news? “There’s no indication at this time that it’s causing more serious disease … and it’s not putting more people in hospitals,” Schaffner says. The WHO said it is “carefully monitoring” the most serious signs in a risk assessment of XBB.1.16.
THE SYMPTOMS OF ARCTURUS
According to Schaffner, there have been “a lot of anecdotal reports” from doctors that the XBB.1.16 variant may be causing some distinct and unusual symptoms, especially among children.
• Sore throat
• Rhinorrhea or nasal drip
• sneezing
• Tos
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle pains
• altered sense of smell
Experts recommend getting tested for COVID-19 if you have any of these symptoms.
Additionally, doctors have anecdotally noted that it may be causing conjunctivitis, or conjunctivitis, experts tell TODAY.com.
“The most distinctive aspect of (Arcturus) is that it has a tendency to produce inflammation of the outer part of the eye and the eyelids,” Schaffner says, adding that this can cause itching, redness, swelling, and tearing or discharge that lasts for about one week.
Fortunately, the conjunctivitis seen in people with XBB.1.16 seems to run its conventional course and clear up in about a week, Schaffner says. “I have not heard of any long-term consequences (for the eyes). … So far, this is something distinctive that is a nuisance.”
Experts emphasize that XBB.1.16 is still being learned as it continues to spread.
If signed, the vaccine would be covered by health insurance.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
The best way to protect yourself from any subvariant is to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, experts emphasize.
“Currently recommended vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease for all Ómicron variants,” Schaffner says, adding that it appears they will do the same for XBB.1.16.
Parents who are concerned about possible new symptoms of XBB.1.16 should get their children vaccinated, experts say.
“Vaccines are safe, effective, and underused,” adds Schaffner.
Even washing your hands, avoiding sick people, and wearing a mask indoors can help stop transmission.
Esta historia apareció por primera vez en TODAY.com.
1682555252
#symptoms #Arcturus #variant #NBC #York