No, the XBB variant is not more dangerous than Delta
Context- The Union Ministry of Health has issued a statement emphatically rejecting the “fake and misleading” claims on social media that the XBB sub-variant of Omicron is “5 times more virulent than the Delta variant and has a higher mortality rate”.
India’s deadly second wave of April-May 2021 was driven by Delta. XBB is the dominant variant now, and caused more than 65% of the infections in the country in November 2022.
What do we know about the XBB variant?
XBB is a recombinant of two Omicron sub-variants, BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75. Several studies have shown that XBB is more immune evasive — that is, it has the ability to circumvent immunity from vaccination-induced infection — and has a growth advantage over other currently circulating variants of Omicron. What this essentially means is that the variant is more likely to cause re-infection or breakthrough infections in people.
Does the XBB variant affect the lungs?
Unlike the Delta Variant that went deep into the lungs and led to a fall in oxygen saturation, Omicron variants are known to affect the upper respiratory tract — the nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, and throat. The virus can go into the lungs in some cases, but it is not the location of choice for the variant.
What are Variants of Concern?
(Credits- WHO)
What are types of vaccines for COVID-19?
(Credits- COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker)
Way Forward- Testing, tracing, treatment, teamwork and Vaccination offers a pertinent strategy to tackle COVID-19. At the same time, Random Sequencing of test samples to identify emerging variants of concern also need to be prioritized.
Source- Indian Express
Syllabus- GS-3; COVID-19; Vaccines; Variants;
