News > Arcturus or XBB.1.16: Is the new Covid-19 variant more dangerous?

Arcturus or XBB.1.16: Is the new Covid-19 variant more dangerous?

The World Health Organisation has kept the new Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, under monitoring. According to reports, this variant has been detected in 29 countries so far. Arcturus was first detected in January. The WHO has stated that the XB.1.16 variant is similar to XBB.1.5 variant but has an additional mutation. Therefore, it can spread quickly but may not lead to anything severe. In India, Arcturus has replaced other variants, as per a WHO report.