2023-05-07 09:25:00
A new variant of COVID19, one of the most transmissible known to date, was recently detected in France. Named XBB.1.16, it would mainly affect children by causing conjunctivitis. Scientists call it XBB.1.16, or Arcturus, after the star. It is a recombinant of two different BA.2 sub-variants of Omicron. If it does not present a “very dangerous” character, it is closely monitored by the WHO, in the same way as the BA.2.75 or BQ.1.1 variants.
This variant has been identified in 33 countries, including the United States and France (less than ten cases), but especially in India, where it is the cause of an epidemic outbreak. According to the Indian press, children are particularly affected, and the symptoms are classic with cough, fever, runny nose, but also with a small specificity: conjunctivitis.
For the moment, due to the immunity acquired by the population and the rate of people vaccinated, France and Europe are facing a very moderate 10th wave, due to the XBB.1.15 variant.
This variant, which has probably already reached its peak, had much less impact on hospital services, and in particular on emergencies.
However, the scientists point out that the new XBB.1.16 variant can also remain in the body for a long time and lead to serious, even fatal, decompensation in immunocompromised people or in patients with severe comorbidities. Caution is therefore still in order.
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