Warnings have been issued
It comes as the new variant, more formally known as Omicron XBB.1.16, spreads across the UK with cases confirmed in the North West. It is present across all regions, aside from the North East.
Reports from doctors in India, where the strain is rife, have said they are seeing more children and adolescents with the subvariant presenting with conjunctivitis - or pink eye. However, he says: "I think there needs to be more studies based on that, but certainly observationally it seems to be happening."
He explained there are other viruses which can cause pink eye - including adenovirus which is common in spring and summer. It was during this surge that XBB.1.16 caught the attention of experts around the world. The World Health Organisation first detected the subvariant in January and on March 22 they designated it a variant under monitoring.
"It's very similar in profile to XBB.1.5. But has one additional mutation in the spike protein which in lab studies shows increased infectivity as well potential increased pathogenicity. So it's one that we are monitoring. It has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye on."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five Brits die of new Arcturus Covid strain spreading across the worldThe new variant, an off-shoot of the Omicron variant of the disease, is spreading across the world.
Read more »
5 Brits die from Arcturus Covid strain as it spreads globallyIt has led to face mask rules being re-introduced elsewhere in the world
Read more »
New covid Arcturus confirmed in Scotland as five deaths reported in UKThe news comes as five deaths in the UK have been caused by the new covid strain which has spread throughout the UK, infecting at least 135 people so far across the four nations
Read more »
Desperation in Sudan as people 'kill pets because they fear starvation'There have been reports of some in the country killing their pets because they are worried they will starve, less than two weeks after major clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces.
Read more »
Lancashire's latest Covid hotspots amid fears over new Arcturus variantOnly two areas in Lancashire have recorded coronavirus cases of over 100 per 100,000 people - a significant decrease from the week earlier
Read more »
The secret name that the Spanish have for Brits abroad - and it’s no complimentSPAIN is one of the most popular travel destinations for Britons looking to switch out the soggy skies for some sun, sea and sangria. But British tourists aren’t always welcomed with open arms by l…
Read more »