What is known about Arcturus, the new variant of Covid already causing concern in India, the UK and the US | Health | magazine

India has once again required the use of masks in public, and this is in at least two states, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.

This is XBB.1.16, better known as Arcturus and which the World Health Organization (WHO) has already warned about spreading across this country.

January marked the first time this lineage had been identified in the United States, specifically in New York, which led to its spread to more than 20 states.

What is known about this variant is that it is derived from XBB.1.5, better known as Kraken. It does not have greater intensity than those previously recorded, however, it will be more contagious because it contains modifications in the spike protein that binds to human cells.

According to researchers in Japan, the infection is 1.2 times more than its predecessor. The World Health Organization has classified this variable as control.

Pediatrician Vipin Vashishtha, former chairman of the Committee on Immunization of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, announced that he treats patients with symptoms different from those in other waves. This is high fever, cold and cough.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical chief for COVID-19, explained that no seriousness was detected in infected people.

As of April 12, India has reported 40,215 active cases of COVID. Because of this, she ran simulations of hospital care to see if they were ready. (YO)