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Arcturus

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health2 years ago

New COVID-19 Variant in San Diego Causes Pink Eye.

San Diego County public health experts warn that XBB.1.16, an emerging offshoot of the Omicron variant, may soon take up a larger share of local COVID-19 cases. The new variant, informally called "Arcturus," has been associated with itchy, watery eyes, which may be a sign of COVID-19. XBB.1.16 has only held a small proportion of COVID-19 cases since it was first spotted in local wastewater in March, but the World Health Organization has called it a "variant of interest." Health care workers in California are not required to report pink eye to the government, making it difficult to track how closely the variant runs in parallel with reports of itchy, watery eyes.

via Times of San Diego|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

The Link Between Pink Eye and COVID-19 Strains

Doctors are suggesting that if you have pink eye and a fever, you should test for COVID-19, as the newest subvariant of the omicron variant, Arcturus, is believed to be the most infectious strain of COVID yet and is correlated with increased cases of conjunctivitis. While pink eye isn’t fun, it fortunately usually doesn’t require treatment from a doctor. The good news about Arcturus is that it doesn’t seem any more likely to result in severe COVID-19 illness than any other recent variant, and vaccines are still effective at preventing the worst outcomes of a COVID infection.

via The Morning Call|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Understanding the Latest COVID-19 Strain

Arcturus or XBB.1.16 is a subvariant of Omicron that is rapidly growing and represents about 15% of strains isolated in the United States. It is more transmissible than prior variants but does not produce more severe disease. Symptoms include high fever, cough, cold-like symptoms, loss of sense of taste and smell, and conjunctivitis. Vaccinations and boosters are crucial to staying safe, and free COVID tests are available until May 11. The Biden administration is ending the public health emergency, but vaccines and treatments will still be available for free. People should stay alert and make informed decisions about attending events based on their risk factors.

via NPR|
#arcturus#boosters#covid-19
health2 years ago

Arcturus COVID Variant: Symptoms and Implications.

Arcturus, a new highly contagious COVID-19 strain, is distinguished from other Omicron subvariants by two symptoms: high fever and "itchy" conjunctivitis or pinkeye. It accounts for 12.5% of cases in the US and is projected to become the most dominant strain in the summer or fall. There is no indication that it causes more severe illness than the original COVID strain or any variants.

via Daily Voice|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Arcturus COVID Variant Spreading Quickly with New Symptoms.

A new subvariant of the Omicron COVID-19 strain, called Arcturus or XBB 1.16, is spreading rapidly across the US, including Pennsylvania, and is responsible for 10% of COVID-19 cases. While highly infectious, it is not highly fulminant, with primary symptoms being fevers and pink eye. Vaccinations and medications used for other strains can prevent the worst consequences of Arcturus, and a bivalent booster dose is recommended for those who have completed the initial vaccine series. Lehigh Valley Health Network is now offering a second dose of the bivalent booster to adults age 65 and older as well as immunocompromised individuals 6 years and older.

via lehighvalleylive.com|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

"Arcturus COVID Variant Linked to Contagious Pink Eye Symptom"

A new COVID-19 variant, Arcturus (XBB.1.16), a subvariant of Omicron, has been identified in at least 34 countries, including the UK, and is making up 2.3% of sequences in the UK. Arcturus is highly contagious and has three additional mutations in the spike protein, which may affect vaccine efficacy. However, vaccines still offer good protection against severe disease. While there is no evidence to suggest Arcturus is more severe than previous variants, its emergence is a reminder that the virus is still with us, and boosters are important to keep up to date.

via The Conversation Indonesia|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Possible Link Between COVID-19 Variant and Pink Eye, Warns Health Officials

The new COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.16 or Arcturus, has been confirmed in Los Angeles and is believed to cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), a symptom previously rare in coronaviruses. While not fully confirmed, the variant is thought to increase the risk of conjunctivitis in infected people. Arcturus is becoming dominant in countries that have reported it, primarily India, and is a "variant of interest" for the WHO. Vaccines are still expected to provide strong protection against it, but vulnerable people should exercise more caution due to its high infectiousness.

via IFLScience|
#arcturus#conjunctivitis#covid-19
health2 years ago

'Arcturus': The Latest COVID Variant to Watch Out For

A new subvariant of omicron, nicknamed Arcturus or XBB.1.16, is behind an estimated 12% of new COVID-19 cases in the US and is growing its presence in nearly 30 countries. Health officials predict it will outpace the current dominant strain by summer, potentially causing another surge of infections. However, existing immunity from prior infection or vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness. Symptoms may differ with XBB.1.16, with conjunctivitis and higher fevers being reported more often in people infected with this subvariant. It is important to get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing any symptoms related to a coronavirus infection.

via AARP|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Surge in Allergies, Arcturus, and Chickenpox in Western North Carolina.

Allergies, Arcturus, and Chickenpox are on the rise in western North Carolina, according to local health officials. The increase in allergies is likely due to the recent pollen season, while the rise in Arcturus cases is attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in chickenpox cases is concerning as it is a vaccine-preventable disease. Health officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities.

via WLOS|
#allergies#arcturus#chickenpox
health2 years ago

Pink Eye Linked to COVID-19 Variants

Pink eye has been identified as a new symptom of COVID-19, particularly in children, according to infectious disease experts. The symptom is attributed to a mutated version of the Omicron variant called Arcturus, which is highly transmissible but responds to existing vaccines. Federal guidelines allow those at higher risk for severe disease to receive an extra shot of an updated version of the Pfizer or Moderna booster dose. Experts urge parents to keep children with symptoms of fever or respiratory infections at home and not send them to school.

via WPLG Local 10|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

"Arcturus COVID-19 Variant Linked to Rise in L.A. Sewage Cases"

Coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater have increased, possibly due to the more infectious Omicron subvariant Arcturus. At least three Arcturus cases have been identified in L.A. County. Pinkeye may be a symptom of COVID-19 infection, and people should use at-home coronavirus tests to determine whether they are infected. Vaccines and anti-COVID therapeutic drugs are still effective against severe illness and death. COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in Los Angeles County in 2022, behind coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

via Los Angeles Times|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

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.

via LAist|
#arcturus#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Arcturus COVID-19 strain linked to pink eye by LA County health officials.

Los Angeles County health officials are warning residents that a new strain of COVID-19, Arcturus or XBB.1.16, may be linked to pink eye, although health experts have not conclusively confirmed the connection. The health department advises residents to take the same COVID precautions to avoid infection and to be aware that itchy, watery, or red eyes may be a sign of COVID-19 infection. Current vaccines and therapeutics are highly likely to remain protective against the new strain. Pink eye can be painful, itchy, and highly contagious, and if left untreated, it can cause damage to the cornea.

via KABC-TV|
#arcturus#covid-19#health