"New COVID Variant Linked to Unusual Symptom in Children"

A new COVID-19 subvariant, XBB.1.16 or "Arcturus," is responsible for nearly 10% of new COVID-19 infections in the US and has been linked to itchy conjunctivitis, especially in children. While federal health officials have not confirmed eye infections as a common COVID-19 symptom, doctors are reporting a rise in red, itchy eyes in children affected by XBB.1.16. The variant has the potential to trigger elevated COVID-19 spread this spring, and experts are concerned about the potential for an increase in US spread later this spring and summer, even if overall infection rates are down.