The first imported case of XBB.1 was recorded in Hong Kong earlier, which is a new variant virus strain. Xiao Jieheng, an associate professor of PolyU’s Department of Medical Technology and Informatics, said on a radio program this morning (12th) that XBB.1 is a new variant of the two viruses BA.2.10 and BA.2.75, so it is of concern. The XBB.1 variant virus was first discovered in Singapore, and more cases have been recorded in countries such as Nepal and Mangala. Currently, it accounts for regarding 1% of the global cases. It is difficult to judge whether it will become the mainstream virus strain in Hong Kong.
Xiao Jieheng quoted that You research pointed out that the immune escape ability of XBB.1 is temporarily the strongest among the mutant viruses, but he emphasized that many immune escape ability tests are in vitro experiments, which may not reflect the actual situation following vaccination with the new crown vaccine.
After the entry quarantine measures were changed to “0+3”, Xiao Jieheng said that citizens may bring the local variant virus back to Hong Kong following traveling abroad. This winter is the first winter following the world returns to normal. It is expected that a new variant virus will appear later, and it is expected to be diagnosed The numbers will also rise.
