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Rapid Spread of New Coronavirus Variant, Nimbus

Summer may bring a surge of health concerns, according to experts' forecasts

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Anticipated Effectiveness: Covid Vaccines Developed for Omicron Variant Expected to Remain...
Anticipated Effectiveness: Covid Vaccines Developed for Omicron Variant Expected to Remain Efficient Against Nimbus Variant

Rapid Spread of New Coronavirus Variant, Nimbus

Experts are sounding the alarm as a new Covid variant, XBB.1.5, is gaining traction. Symptoms of this strain include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, and sore throat. Warm weather seems to be aiding its spread, according to recent reports.

In the UK, scientists are predicting a significant increase in cases due to XBB.1.5. This variant is said to be derived from the super-virulent Omicron and has already sparked a wave of cases in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that the number of people testing positive for Covid has risen to its highest level this year, and is already 97 percent higher than in March. British scientists warn that XBB.1.5 could lead to a sharp increase in Covid cases within a few weeks.

In Germany, the new variant was first detected in March, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). As of May, 16.7 percent of all Covid cases in Germany were attributable to XBB.1.5. However, the current spread of Covid in Germany is at a low level, the RKI reports in its weekly report.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified XBB.1.5 as a "variant under monitoring." According to the WHO, XBB.1.5 is now responsible for 10.7 percent of global Covid infections, compared to only 2.5 percent in the previous month. The symptoms of the variant are said to be no different from other Covid variants. However, XBB.1.5 is said to be more infectious than other active Covid variants.

Vulnerable Individuals Encouraged to Get Vaccinated

At-risk individuals are urged to get vaccinated, as immunity built up by previous infections and older vaccinations has likely waned in many people, putting them at higher risk of illness.

Experts believe that the current Covid vaccines, developed to combat Omicron’s descendants, will remain effective against XBB.1.5.

Warm Weather Spurs Spread

Professor Lawrence Young, virologist at the University of Warwick, predicts that the warmer weather and increased social interactions could result in an increase in XBB.1.5 infections in the coming months. However, it is difficult to predict the magnitude of this infection wave, he says.

Labor studies suggest that XBB.1.5 may infect human cells more efficiently than earlier strains. The variant may have an increased ability to evade the immune system, making it more likely to infect people.

Key Concerns and Recommendations

  • Transmissibility: XBB.1.5 is highly transmissible, contributing to rising case numbers in multiple regions.
  • No Increase in Severity: Current data do not suggest increased disease severity for XBB.1.5 compared to previous Omicron subvariants.
  • Vaccines and Treatments: Continued vaccination, especially with updated boosters, is recommended. Antiviral treatments remain effective.
  • Surveillance: Ongoing monitoring is essential due to limited surveillance in some regions and the lack of clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation.

Remember, it's crucial to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and to follow public health guidelines as we navigate this ongoing pandemic. For more information about XBB.1.5 and its impact, stay tuned for updates from your trusted health organizations.

  • Covid-19
  • Vaccines
  • UKHSA
  • World Health Organization
  • Robert Koch Institute
  1. The 6-2203 report by Mr Papoutsis, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, on the Commission communication on the European Union's external relations policy, strongly advocates for a comprehensive approach to global health and wellness, suggesting an emphasis on mental health, fitness and exercise, and research funding for chronic diseases and medical-conditions.
  2. In light of the rise of the XBB.1.5 Covid variant and its potential impact on mental health, particularly in vulnerable individuals, the importance of prioritizing mental health resources has been highlighted by health experts.
  3. Some researchers are exploring the potential benefits of CBD, a compound found in cannabis, for managing symptoms related to chronic diseases and mental health conditions. This research could hold promising implications for developing new treatments in the future.
  4. In the ongoing battle against Covid-19, experts urge many to remember the crucial role that science plays in identifying new threats, like the XBB.1.5 variant, and developing effective countermeasures, including updated Covid-19 vaccines and antiviral treatments.

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