Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Latest Updates
-
A Hotel on Wheels: Bihar Rolls Out Its First Luxury Caravan Buses -
Bharti Singh-Haarsh Limbachiyaa Welcome Second Child, Gender: Couple Welcome Their Second Baby, Duo Overjoyed - Report | Bharti Singh Gives Birth To Second Baby Boy | Gender Of Bharti Singh Haarsh Limbachiyaa Second Baby -
Bharti Singh Welcomes Second Son: Joyous News for the Comedian and Her Family -
Gold & Silver Rates Today in India: 22K, 24K, 18K & MCX Prices Fall After Continuous Rally; Check Latest Gold Rates in Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad & Other Cities on 19 December -
Nick Jonas Dancing to Dhurandhar’s “Shararat” Song Goes Viral -
From Consciousness To Cosmos: Understanding Reality Through The Vedic Lens -
The Sunscreen Confusion: Expert Explains How to Choose What Actually Works in Indian Weather -
On Goa Liberation Day 2025, A Look At How Freedom Shaped Goa Into A Celebrity-Favourite Retreat -
Daily Horoscope, Dec 19, 2025: Libra to Pisces; Astrological Prediction for all Zodiac Signs -
Paush Amavasya 2025: Do These Most Powerful Rituals For Closure On The Final Amavasya Of The Year
XBB.1.16: Symptoms; Are Vaccines Useful? WHO Concerned Over Recent COVID Spike In India
The emergence of the novel XBB.1.16 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is believed to be behind the current Covid-19 surge in India, has caused alarm among health officials.
Over 1,000 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in India on 3 March, marking the first increase in 129 days.
The new variant was first identified in the Indian state of Maharashtra in October 2020 and has since become the most common variant in the country.
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 [1].
XBB.1.16 has several mutations that are thought to make it more transmissible and potentially more resistant to vaccines. While the exact impact of the variant is unknown, experts believe that it has played a key role in driving the recent surge of Covid-19 infection in India [2].
XBB.1.16: Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of the new sub-variant are almost the same as that of the Omicron variant.
High-grade fever for more than 48 hours, cough, sore throat, body pain, severe headache, cold and abdominal discomfort. There is no loss of smell or taste seen in the patients, so far [3].
Most of the people have mild to moderate diseases and are being managed in home isolation.
Is Covid XBB 1.16 Life-threatening?
As per 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.
The Indian government has advised the general public to practise covid-appropriate behaviours. However, with the spread of XBB.1.16, these measures may not be enough to contain the spread of the virus.
XBB.1.16: Are Vaccines Useful?
In addition, researchers are also exploring the potential for vaccines to protect against XBB.1.16. If successful, these efforts could help to reduce the spread of the virus and protect people from severe illness [4].
The XBB 1.16 subvariant is a highly transmissible variant with a high infectivity rate. The subvariant has mutations in the amino acids and nucleotide space which allow it to escape hybrid immunity achieved by vaccination and previous exposure to the virus.
On A Final Note...
In conclusion, the emergence of the XBB.1.16 variant has underscored the importance of monitoring and responding to novel variants quickly and effectively. If appropriate measures are taken, it may be possible to contain the spread of the virus and protect people from severe illness.
The emergence of XBB.1.16 has highlighted the need for constant monitoring and surveillance of novel variants to effectively contain their spread.
Health experts are urging governments to invest in genomic sequencing capacities to detect variants early and take appropriate action to prevent further transmission.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Continue with Google