The emergence of a new COVID-19 variant known as Arcturus, also referred to as Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, has sparked concerns across the globe. Recent studies suggest that this strain could be 1.2 times more infectious than the previous major sub-variant, Delta.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been closely monitoring this variant since March 22, 2022, and has identified one additional mutation in the spike protein that could increase its infectivity and potential pathogenicity. However, no changes in the severity of the disease have been observed so far.
The Arcturus sub-variant has been detected in 22 countries, including the UK and the US. So far, it is not believed to be more lethal than other strains. However, India, which was hit hard by the Delta variant, has introduced strict measures such as compulsory face masks and hospital drills to control the spread of this new strain while also ramping up vaccine production.
According to Dr Vipin Vashishtha, a paediatrician and former head of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunisation, the symptoms of Arcturus include a high fever, cough, and “itchy” conjunctivitis or pinkeye, as reported by The Hindustan Times.
While the number of cases detected outside India is still relatively low, there are concerns that this new variant could trigger a new wave of infections. Scientists at the University of Tokyo have compared the Arcturus and Kraken sub-variants and found that the former spreads approximately 1.17 to 1.27 times more effectively than its relative.
Furthermore, the Arcturus variant is reportedly “robustly resistant” to antibodies from previous COVID infections, which could make it challenging to control its spread. Virologist Professor Lawrence Young from the University of Warwick has warned that the emergence of the new variant in India indicates that “we’re not yet out of the woods.”
While more research is needed to understand the full extent of the threat posed by the Arcturus variant, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over. Experts urge people to continue following public health guidelines such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others from this new strain and any other potential variants that may emerge.
