WHO has just updated the list of COVID-19 variants of concern, adding the XBB.1.16 variant, a descendant of recombinant XBB. Known by the nickname Arcturus, XBB.1.16 is becoming the dominant variant in India and has spread to 32 countries, including Vietnam.

Research shows that the impact of a COVID-19 variant in a country depends on herd immunity. Expert Francois Balloux emphasized the similarities between XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.5, with two gene mutations, especially in the spike protein.

WHO announced that, although XBB.1.16 spreads quickly and has the ability to evade immunity, it does not cause more severe COVID-19 symptoms than previous variants. As of last week, XBB.1.16 accounted for about 10% of COVID-19 cases in the US, while XBB.1.5 is still the main cause of new infections, according to information from the US CDC.

WHO recommends that countries share information about XBB.1.16 and monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic as this variant spreads.

More detail: CỔNG THÔNG TIN CỦA BỘ Y TẾ VỀ ĐẠI DỊCH COVID-19