New Omicron strain spreading at a low rate in China

The new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 is spreading at a very low rate in China, the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.

Although the proportion of XBB.1.16 cases in imported infections is growing, the variant has not dominated domestic circulation, the administration said.

The new variant, also known as Arcturus, was first detected in January and began spreading in various countries, including India, the United States, Singapore and Australia.

As of Tuesday, at least 33 countries and regions had reported over 3,600 infections with XBB.1.16. It has already become the dominant strain in India and is rising rapidly in the United States.

According to the administration, because of its additional mutations in the spike protein, the new strain is more transmissible and is as equally immune evasive as its ancestor strain, XBB.1. On March 22, the World Health Organization designated XBB.1.16 as a new variant under monitoring.

The new strain does not appear to trigger more serious symptoms, but it could cause severe cases in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

There are reports that the new strain may cause conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes), especially among children, the administration said.

"Such symptoms have also been observed in previous strains. Patients experiencing such conditions should seek treatment from doctors as soon as possible," it said.

The administration added that immunity gained from vaccinations or a recent infection can protect against the new strain. Mask use is recommended for vulnerable groups as well as in facilities with large gatherings.