A new Covid variant has been named with people being told to once again ensure they are practising hygiene in line with Covid-19 standards such as washing their hands and ensuring you are not coughing without covering your mouth.
The Omicron sub-variant was first discovered on January 23 of this year according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'Earliest documented samples' data with the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting that the 'Arcturus' variant had already been detected in the UK.
It is said that around 50 cases are in the UK at present.
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But what is this sub-variant and what do we know about it so far? Here is what you need to know, including symptoms and advice from the WHO.
What is the Arcturus variant?
Arcturus is the name given to the latest variant of SARS-CoV-2, that causes Covid-19. The latest Covid strain said to be an Omicron sub-variant, Arcturus, may be up to 1.2 times more infectious that previous sub-variants, according to researchers.
Also known as XBB.1.16, the latest variant is said to be a mix of two Omicron variants that were previously circulating.
Symptoms of the Arcturus variant
People have been showing mild cold-like symptoms while some have noted conjunctivitis (sticky, crusty eyes) in kids.
The new strain has brought with it a rare new symptom, according to a doctor, with sufferers complaining of "itchy" conjunctivas or pinkeye. The new sign may be present alongside the "typical" Covid symptoms of a fever and ongoing cough, reports the Mirror.
Should people be worried?
No deaths have been linked to this variant but as always, people should ensure they are cleaning their hands and any surfaces to reduce their risk of catching anything.
In addition, those in 'at risk' categories should stay up-to-date with their vaccinations to ensure that their risk is reduced.
What have the World Health Organisation said?
The World Health Organisation confirmed this variant been identified in 22 countries including the likes of America, India and Australia.
As of March 22, according to WHO, this variant is being closely looked at. They say: "Currently, WHO is closely tracking one variant of interest (VOI), XBB.1.5, and six variants under monitoring (VUMs).The VUMs are BQ.1, BA.2.75, CH.1.1, XBB, XBF and XBB.1.16; XBB.1.16 was added to this list on 22 March 2023."
They added: "As of 27 March, 712 XBB.1.16 sequences have been reported from 21 countries. However, so far reports do not indicate a rise in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, or deaths due to XBB.1.16. Further, there are currently no reported laboratory studies on markers of disease severity for XBB.1.16."
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