Cases of the new Arcturus strain of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the South West, with five people confirmed as having died in the UK, according to UK health officials.
The new variant, which is an off-shoot of the Omicron variant of the disease, is spreading across the world. And has now been confirmed as a new variant by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), but so far has not been classified as a 'variant of concern'.
Some countries have reintroduced face masks in public places as the new strain is very contagious.
READ MORE: New Covid strain Arcturus: Expert explains key facts about new infection
There are 120 cases in England, eight in Wales and two in Northern Ireland. Around a quarter of the English cases, 31, were reported among people aged 60 and above – but officials have cautioned that the data is based almost entirely on PCR tests carried out in hospitals after community testing ended last year.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director, UKHSA said: "It is not unexpected to see new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge. UKHSA continues to analyse all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad and is monitoring the situation closely. XBB.1.16 currently accounted for 2.3% of UK sequences between 3 April and 9 April. It is not currently designated a variant of concern.
"Vaccination remains our best defence against future COVID-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible."
Lots of people have been complaining in Bristol about a 'mystery bug' that has been spreading across the city leaving some feeling 'faint' and 'achy'. Despite being spring, flu-type infections are still being contracted by locals across our city.
Taking to Reddit, one person said: "Is there a bug going around at the moment where you feel faint / low blood pressure?". Dozens of people replied, with many saying they have experienced something similar.
One person wrote: "This is exactly how I feel right now. I've been in bed the last 2 days aching something awful". Another said: "I had a sore throat and awful headache come on quick last night and been in bed all day with aches and fever. Feels like a substantial virus."
Some were suggesting that it could be the new strain of Covid, which experts say is the most contagious yet. One person wrote: "Yeah, the new strain of covid!!! Both of us had 2 days of feeling lightheaded and dizzy with low blood pressure. This came after two days of aching and feeling rundown with chills and fever. Tested positive on the weekend."
Another said: "Had this when I had COVID 3 weeks ago."
What are its symptoms?
Likely mostly similar to before with most people exhibiting mild cold-like symptoms but with the capacity to cause severe lung infection in vulnerable people. There is also the very real risk of Long Covid. For XBB.1.16, some have noted conjunctivitis (sticky, crusty eyes) in kids.
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