The World Health Organization (WHO) has upgraded Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 to a Covid-19 "variant of interest" (VOI) due to its "sustained increase" and "growth advantage" reported from several countries.
XBB.1.16 is a descendent lineage of XBB, a recombinant of two BA.2 descendent lineages. XBB.1.16 was first reported on January 9, this year and designated a variant under monitoring (VUM) on March 22.
So far, 3,648 sequences of the Omicron XBB.1.16 variant have been reported from 33 countries, including India, on open research platform GISAID, the global health body, said.
"Following a sustained increase in the prevalence of XBB.1.16 and growth advantage reported from several countries, WHO classifies XBB.1.16 as a VOI," said Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead for Covid-19 response at WHO on Friday.
Van Kerkhove noted that XBB.1.16 has shown "growth advantage and immune escape".
While "no changes in severity have been reported, it can cause full range of disease", she said, adding for the need to "be vigilant".
Driven by XBB.1.16, India on Saturday recorded 12,193 fresh COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours, with the number of active cases of the infection going up to 67,556, according to the Union health ministry.
The WHO noted that although there has been a "slight increase" in XBB.1.16-related hospitalisation in India and Indonesia, the levels are "much lower than seen in previous variant waves".
Further, "available information does not suggest that XBB.1.16 has additional public health risk relative to XBB.1.5 and the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages,a the WHO said.
"However, XBB.1.16 may become dominant in some countries and cause a rise in case incidence due to its growth advantage and immune escape characteristics," it added.
Meanwhile, some experts nicknamed XBB.1.16 as Arcturus, after the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. However, the WHO has not named it yet. WHO assigns Greek labels only for variants of concern (VOC), and not for VOIs.
"We are not using nicknames for these sub variants, and I would kindly encourage you not to. Please," Van Kerkhove said.
Delhi Police, EC indulge in hooliganism against AAP, ignore BJP's misconduct: Kejriwal
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticised the Delhi Police and the Election Commission on Tuesday for what he described as their biased and unprofessional behaviour in handling election-related issues claiming that they were indulging in "hooliganism" against the AAP and were covering the BJP's misconduct.
Delhi CM Atishi booked for violating MCC; her supporters for attacking police
The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered two cases - first against Chief Minister Atishi for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and another against her supporters for obstructing government work and attacking police.
UNGA President to visit India from today to deepen multilateral ties on global issues
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang is set to embark on an official visit to India from February 4 to February 8 at the invitation of the Government of India.
Light rainfall graces Delhi-NCR, brings down temperature, improves AQI
Delhi-NCR woke up to light rainfall on Tuesday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that showers will continue throughout the day.
Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Assembly elections, leads late-night patrolling
The South District Police conducted a late-night patrol, which was led by DCP Ankit Chauhan. The patrol was part of the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the election period.
Shutting USAID weakens US, helps adversaries: Democrats
They took aim at President Donald Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who announced the decision on Monday, questioning his authority.
Govt continued development despite Covid & ethnic violence: Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that despite the state losing four-and-a-half-years to the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic violence, the government has continued the developmental works in the state.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and cultural complex opens in South Africa’s Johannesburg
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg officially opened its doors on Monday, following the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS.