As per experts, the rise in Covid cases is happening most likely due to newly-detected Covid XBB 1.16 variant of the Covid virus. The XBB 1.16 variant was first identified in January when two samples tested positive, and in February, a total of 59 samples were found. So far in March, 15 more samples of the variant have been detected.
The number of Covid XBB 1.16 variant cases detected in India is the highest across the world. The second highest number of cases have been detected in the US. Experts believe that that this new subtype may lead to a fresh wave of the pandemic across the world.
A total of 1,071 fresh cases were reported in the county in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 5,30,802 with three latest fatalities — one each reported in Rajasthan and Maharashtra and one reconciled in Kerala.
The Centre has issues fresh advisory.
Here is all you need to know about the new Covid XBB virus:
Is Covid XBB 1.16 life-threatening?
As per the initial research, the Covid XBB 1.16 variant is the fastest-spreading Covid subtype detected till now and can multiply at an alarming rate.
However, not a single death has been reported due to Covid XBB across the globe.
What are the common symptoms of the new COVID variant?
As of now, there is little to no difference between the symptoms of Covid XBB 1.16 and XBB 1.15.
The symptoms of this variant include fever, sore throat, cold, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It also might impact your digestive system and respiratory system.
