A new variant of Covid, known as Arcturus, has been confirmed in the UK.
It comes after a recent surge in cases in India forced parts of the country to bring back compulsory face mask rules.
The Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16 - which was first identified on January 23 this year - has caught the attention of experts around the world. So far, it has been detected in at least 22 countries.
READ MORE: Met Eireann forecast major weather change with Ireland to be hotter than Sicily
According to the latest data from Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre, no cases of the variant have been confirmed here.
Arcturus has been classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The World Health Organisation's (WHO) technical lead for Covid response Maria Van Kerkhove said: "This is one to watch. We're monitoring it because it has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye out on."
Along with the usual Covid symptoms of fever and coughs, infected people in India have also reported suffering from "itchy" conjunctivitis or pinkeye.
According to the latest research, Arcturus could be 1.2 times more infectious than the most recent significant sub-variant of Covid.
Dr Connor Bamford, from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen's University Belfast, told Belfast Live about the new variant and its possible impact.
What is the Arcturus variant?
Dr Bamford said: "Arcturus is a name that some people have given to the last variant of SARS-CoV-2 (that causes Covid). The scientific name is XBB.1.16 and it is a mix of two Omicron variants that were previously circulating.
"XBB1.16 is closely related to XBB1.5, which is currently the dominating variant in Ireland."
According to HPSC data, it was responsible for 54.9% of all Covid cases confirmed in the past week.
"XBB1.16 is currently driving a wave in other countries like India," he added.
What are its symptoms?
Dr Bamford said: "Likely mostly similar to before with most people exhibiting mild cold-like symptoms but with the capacity to cause severe lung infection in vulnerable people. There is also the very real risk of Long Covid. For XBB.1.16, some have noted conjunctivitis (sticky, crusty eyes) in kids."
What is the current Covid situation here?
Dr Bamford said: "As we predicted, Covid is here to stay and has been continuously infecting people in NI since early 2020. Recently we see waves of cases, hospitalisations and deaths associated with new variants every three months or so.
"Between waves, Covid does not go away however. It is unlikely but not impossible that we’ll see very large waves like we saw with Alpha or Omicron at Christmas 2020 and 2021."
Should current immunity levels help to minimise the impact of this new variant?
Dr Bamford said: "I believe that the current levels of immunity built up from vaccination and infection will help against each new variant even if more infectious, but the vulnerable may need more help (vaccines)."
Will booster vaccines prove effective?
Dr Bamford said: "Current booster vaccines should be helpful against this variant as will previous recent infection. As Covid is not going away, vaccination (including boosters) offers the best protection from infection and disease, especially if vulnerable (such as the elderly)."
Is it a case of concern rather than alarm?
Dr Bamford said: "This should be a slight concern but what I feel more concerning is that even between waves Covid does not go away and I feel we do not have a strong enough plan in place to safeguard the population across the year.
"We need more investment in surveillance of the virus, next-generation vaccines, and better treatments for the vulnerable in the community and in hospital."
READ NEXT:
Dangerous infection outbreak at Dublin hospital as 8 babies isolated in intensive care
Ex-Margaret Thatcher aide hits out at 'embarrassment' Joe Biden over Black and Tans gaffe
Irish Rail considering expanding 'quiet carriages' on more routes
Family steal theatre seats from group at bar before 'satisfying moment of karma' kicks in
Rachael Blackmore's Aintree rides on Friday include horse she thinks has a 'big future'
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
