According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the so-called arcturus strain of COVID-19 is responsible for about 1 in 5 new infections.
XBB.1.16, or arcturus, was the variant identified in 20% of new COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, the CDC estimates. Arcturus is an Omicron subvariant that was first identified in India in March 2023.
It has since been found in other countries, including the United States. Arcturus is thought to be more transmissible than previous Omicron subvariants, but it does not appear to cause more severe disease.
The CDC is still monitoring arcturus and its potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the agency has said that there is no need for widespread alarm at this time.
Here are some additional things to know about arcturus:
- It is the second most prominent coronavirus strain circulating in the U.S., after XBB.1.5.
- It is likely more transmissible than XBB.1.5 given its additional mutations.
- It does not appear to cause more severe disease.
- The CDC is still monitoring arcturus and its potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are concerned about arcturus, you can talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated or boosted. You can also take steps to protect yourself from getting sick, such as wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and social distancing.
