The Arcturus COVID Variant: Symptoms and Threats

The XBB.1.16 variant, nicknamed "Arcturus," is spreading in Los Angeles County and is a descendant of the BA.2 sublineages. It has been detected in 32 other countries, including the United States. While it is different from the dominant XBB.1.5 strain, it is not causing more severe illness. XBB.1.16 is infecting young children more, and conjunctivitis or pinkeye may be more common. The variant accounted for an estimated 10% of COVID cases nationally in the United States last week. The overall COVID situation in L.A. County is improving, but the small increase in wastewater concentrations of SARS-COV-2 this week may reflect the beginning of more spread associated with XBB.1.16.