A new subtype of the Omicron-type coronavirus, XBB.1.5, covers all major regions of the United States and was also detected in South Africa a few days ago. Although this African country is statistically the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists do not seem to be frightened by the "big wave" of new infections. AMIT Khovar reports this, citing Euronews.

"I don't expect a huge wave of infections with hospitalizations because of the high immunity of the population in South Africa and previous waves of omicron strains," said South African virologist Tulio de Oliveira, who first discovered the beta and omicron strains.

In South Africa, where the first case of omicron-type infection was detected in late 2021, there are now more than four million cases of infection and more than 102,500 deaths from the coronavirus.

Only 48% of South Africans who should have been vaccinated have done so.

According to the World Health Organization, subtype XBB.1.5 is the third generation virus in the Omicron family and is the most easily transmitted of the subtypes found so far.

According to Tulio de Oliveira, the subspecies was detected last Friday in South Africa, in a sample taken in late December. At this stage, however, there has been "no increase in infections, hospitalizations or deaths."

The XBB.1.5 subtype is already available in about 30 countries, especially in Europe and the U.S., where it is gradually gaining popularity. Its characteristics are not yet known. However, according to preliminary data, a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine, according to the WHO, should lead to the production of antibodies.

AMIT “Khovar”

translated

Ruzimuhammad Ismoilov