Initial studies suggest that a new variant of COVID-19 called Arcturus or XBB.1.16 is spreading faster than other recent variants.
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The Arcturus variant of COVID-19 has started to spread in India and is reportedly causing a new symptom in children, which was previously unknown in relation to coronavirus. However, the studies indicate that the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness.
Prof. Cyrille Cohen said Thursday "I hope that this outbreak does not escalate out of control."
"The number of cases has increased by 10 times, and some places have even reinstated mask mandates. Health authorities in India are undoubtedly concerned, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation closely. So far, there has been no increase in the death toll," says Professor Cohen. He adds that the variant has made its way to Israel, but it is challenging to estimate its prevalence due to testing issues.
A pediatric specialist in India who has been monitoring the new variant, recently tweeted that the strain appears to mainly affect children. The symptoms of the new strain include high fever, coughing, and viral eye inflammation, which is characterized by red, itchy eyes without festering secretion. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in children under the age of 12 in India is increasing, but they are still considered to be mild.
Experts have explained that the viral eye infection seen in children with the new strain of coronavirus resembles viral eye infections caused by other common viruses like adenovirus, and it's impossible to distinguish between them. Nevertheless, in cases where symptoms such as redness, itching, or burning of the eyes occur, it is advisable to suspect the possibility of a COVID-19 infection.
Different types of eye infections exhibit varying symptoms. Bacterial eye inflammation is characterized by redness, pain, or burning sensation, and a yellow pus-filled secretion usually appears on the eyelids and eyelashes. Allergic eye inflammation typically presents with redness, burning, itching, and clear secretion. Viral eye inflammation is often manifested by redness, burning, or itching, with or without the presence of tears.