The Arcturus variant, also known as XBB.1.16, is a type of Omicron variant that is spreading in India. Health authorities around the world are closely monitoring it because it may be able to evade the immune systems of people, which makes the next four weeks important in controlling its spread.
India recorded 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 60,313, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 5,31,141 with 27 deaths. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,48,27,226).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Arcturus variant does not seem to cause more severe disease. The WHO has identified XBB.1.16 as a new variant that resulted from the combination of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, with a shared mutation also found in XBB.1.5. This new variant has mutations that may make it more transmissible and cause a higher rate of infection.
India is currently experiencing a rise in Covid-19 infections, but there is no need to panic at this time. High-risk groups and the elderly should take extra precautions.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS, Delhi, has noted that the current increase in cases in India is due to the XBB.1.16 variant, which is a subvariant of Omicron. He emphasized that the variant is highly infectious and spreads quickly, and he attributed the spike in cases to recent rainfall in the region. He reiterated that adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.
According to WHO data as of March 27, a total of 712 XBB.1.16 sequences have been found in 21 countries. However, there have been no reports of an increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, or deaths specifically due to XBB.1.16. Furthermore, there are currently no reported laboratory studies on markers of disease severity for this variant.
A report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, citing Maria Van Kerkhove, PhD, the WHO’s technical lead for COVID-19, states that XBB.1.16 has replaced other circulating subvariants in India. Van Kerkhove also mentioned that most of the 800 sequences obtained from 22 countries are from India.
Lab studies have shown that XBB.1.16 may have increased infectivity and potentially increased pathogenicity, according to Van Kerkhove. In response, the Indian government, as well as state governments, have issued advisories and increased testing and surveillance efforts in the country.
The common symptoms associated with COVID-19 caused by previous strains of the coronavirus are also seen with the Arcturus variant. These common signs include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, muscle ache, and abdominal issues.
New Covid Variant FAQs
India recorded 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 60,313, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 5,31,141 with 27 deaths. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,48,27,226).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Arcturus variant does not seem to cause more severe disease. The WHO has identified XBB.1.16 as a new variant that resulted from the combination of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75, with a shared mutation also found in XBB.1.5. This new variant has mutations that may make it more transmissible and cause a higher rate of infection.
India is currently experiencing a rise in Covid-19 infections, but there is no need to panic at this time. High-risk groups and the elderly should take extra precautions.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS, Delhi, has noted that the current increase in cases in India is due to the XBB.1.16 variant, which is a subvariant of Omicron. He emphasized that the variant is highly infectious and spreads quickly, and he attributed the spike in cases to recent rainfall in the region. He reiterated that adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.
According to WHO data as of March 27, a total of 712 XBB.1.16 sequences have been found in 21 countries. However, there have been no reports of an increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, or deaths specifically due to XBB.1.16. Furthermore, there are currently no reported laboratory studies on markers of disease severity for this variant.
A report from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, citing Maria Van Kerkhove, PhD, the WHO’s technical lead for COVID-19, states that XBB.1.16 has replaced other circulating subvariants in India. Van Kerkhove also mentioned that most of the 800 sequences obtained from 22 countries are from India.
Lab studies have shown that XBB.1.16 may have increased infectivity and potentially increased pathogenicity, according to Van Kerkhove. In response, the Indian government, as well as state governments, have issued advisories and increased testing and surveillance efforts in the country.
The common symptoms associated with COVID-19 caused by previous strains of the coronavirus are also seen with the Arcturus variant. These common signs include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, muscle ache, and abdominal issues.
New Covid Variant FAQs
- Are Covid cases rising again in India?
Yes, the number of Covid cases in India started rising again in the month of April 2023. As per the latest reports available, the country on April 17, 2023, reported 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 60,313. - What is new Covid variant?
Medical experts expect that the new Covid variant that is causing the surge in the recent Covid cases in India could be a sub-variant of Omicron virus, called as – XBB.1.16. - What is XBB.1.16 variant?
XBB.1.16 is a sub-variant of Omicron virus which is suspected of causing a sudden spike in the Covid cases in India. - What are the symptoms of Arcturus Covid variant?
As per the health experts, Arcturus symptoms in children include – pink or sticky conjunctivitis eyes, headache, sore throat, and blocked nose. Arcturus symptoms in adults include – nasal discharge, sore throat, loss of smell, severe bronchitis, and cough.
