Arcturus Covid Variant: The Contagious Mutation With A Rare Symptom

Arcturus Covid Variant:-

Arcturus Variant: New Covid Mutation Sparks Global Concerns

A new Covid-19 variant, called Arcturus, has caught the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its potential to spread more quickly and a new symptom that is rarely seen in Other Omicron sub-variants. 

This latest mutation, officially known as XBB.1.16, has caused a new surge in many countries, including the US, Singapore, and Australia. The WHO declared it a "variant under monitoring" in late March and is urging people to be cautious. The virus seems to be highly transmissible, making it one of the most contagious variants to date.

Pediatrician warns of new Covid-19 variant's unusual symptom

The Arcturus variant has been reported to cause symptoms such as high fever, cough, and pinkeye, according to Dr. Vipin Vashishtha, who is a pediatrician and previously served as the head of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunization. Conjunctivitis has been identified as a Covid symptom in the past, but it seems to be more prevalent in this new variant.

Arcturus variant poses a threat of out-competing other Covid strains, says NYIT professor

According to Raj Rajnarayanan, who is an associate professor and assistant dean of research at the New York Institute of Technology, the Arcturus variant and its progeny possess the capability to surpass other Covid variants due to the rapid evolution of new variants. He described it as having the "oomph to outcompete" them.

Arcturus variant is a cause for concern as it shows increased spread and resistance to antibodies

The Arcturus variant is a recombinant of two sub-variants of BA.2, and a preprint study from scientists at the University of Tokyo suggests that it spreads about 1.17 to 1.27 times more efficiently than relatives XBB.1 and XBB.1.5. Additionally, the variant appears to be resistant to antibodies from other Covid variants, which could lead to an increase in its spread.

Vaccines, masks, and social distancing still crucial to fight new COVID-19 variant

As with any new variant of Covid-19, it is crucial to remain vigilant and continue taking preventive measures Such as social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated to slow the spread of the virus.