Covid variant XBB.1.5 is the latest strain of coronavirus that is causing alarm among scientists and health experts around the world
XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible subvariant of the already highly contagious omicron strain and has caused a surge in Covid cases in the United States
XBB.1.5 has been detected in over 28 other countries worldwide including India, Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK
India's tally of Covid variant XBB 1.5 is currently 8 with cases detected in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan
There is no indication that the severity of the variant has changed, but the increased transmissibility is a cause for concern
The World Health Organization is monitoring the variant and conducting a risk assessment with the help of laboratory studies and real-world data
Covid vaccines continue to protect against severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death, against many Covid variants
Common symptoms for XBB.1.5 include sore throat, cough, sneezing, runny nose, muscle aches, body pain and an altered sense of smell
It is important to remain vigilant and take preventative measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing to help mitigate the spread of XBB.1.5
Story by: Pranav Dixit
Designed by: Mohsin