The Arcturus Covid-19 subvariant is spreading in Australia

Health researchers say the Arcturus variant is more transmissible than other Omicron strains, but no evidence to suggest it is more severe.

The Arcturus subvariant – or XBB.1.16 as it is officially known – was designated a variant of interest by the World Health Organization in April after it was reported in 33 countries. The WHO has categorised the variant as low risk compared with other Omicron subvariants circulating in the community.

Prof Peter Collignon, an expert in infectious diseases at ANU, said Arcturus may be more transmissible, but people should not panic as there is no evidence to suggest it is more severe than other Omicron subvariants.

Read More: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/27/the-arcturus-covid-19-subvariant-is-spreading-in-australia-but-experts-say-its-no-cause-for-alarm