India is currently facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections caused by the XBB.1.16 variant, also known as Arcturus. WHO is monitoring this variant.
Arcturus sub-strain of the Omicron variant was first discovered in January. According to WHO, this new strain has now been found in 20 countries such as Singapore, US, UK, Australia… This is one of 600 variants by Omicron.
WHO says this sub-variant has an additional mutation in the spike protein. Laboratory studies show that Arcturus has increased transmissibility as well as an increased risk of pathogenicity.
Symptoms of XBB.1.16 are believed to be similar to those of other variants. Previous symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing and cough. However, many people infected with this new strain also suffer from conjunctivitis and eye adhesions.
A study by the University of Tokyo shows that Arcturus is 1 or 2 times more contagious than XBB.15. called Kraken – the most infectious Covid-19 variant to date. On the other hand, some experts say Arcturus is considered to have no risk of causing more severe illness than Kraken.
According to Straits Times statistics show that Arcturus is behind the situation. The number of cases in India increased 13 times in March. India has conducted a review of whether hospitals are fully prepared to deal with a scenario of a sharp increase in cases in the future.< /p>
As of April 12, India had a total of 40,215 Covid-19 cases, an increase of 3,122 cases compared to the previous day. Two Indian states have also begun ordering masks to be worn in public places again as the number of cases increases. This is the first time mask regulations have been applied since March 2022 and they have caused public concern.
Doctors in India are urging people to stay calm . Although the new variant appears to be more contagious, doctors say there has not yet been an increase in deaths.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s Health Minister, said in the report reported: “We need to remain vigilant but there is no need to worry yet. Currently the Omicron sub-variant spreading in the country does not lead to an increase in hospitalization rates.
With the With the emergence of new variants, many experts believe that Covid-19 still causes health concerns.
Virology professor Lawrence Young from Warwick University (UK) said: “We We have to keep an eye on it. When a new variant arises you have to find out is it more transmissible and more pathogenic? These things highlight the importance of genetic surveillance but very Many countries seem to have shown signs of relaxing vigilance.
In 2021, India faced a wave of intense spread of the Delta strain, killing many people. The country’s medical system is overloaded and even running out of oxygen because the number of cases has increased so sharply in a short period of time.
“
