Cases of a new Covid variant have surged in India, with the "more infectious" strain now identified in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency recently confirmed that the variant, dubbed Arcturus, has been found, however there are under 100 cases at the moment. This is hugely different to the situation in India where the variant has become the most common, forcing some states to reintroduce measures such as compulsory face coverings.
And the new strain, a sub-variant of Omicron, has brought with it a rare new symptom, according to a doctor, with sufferers complaining of "itchy" conjunctivas or pinkeye. The new sign may be present alongside the "typical" Covid symptoms of a fever and ongoing cough, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Dr Vipin Vashishtha, a paediatrician and former head of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee explained that there is currently an unusual pattern of patients with pinkeye in the country.
The World Health Organisation is giving attention to the new Omicron variant XBB.1.16, Arcturus, with experts monitoring the virus' mutations and spread.
Here is what we know so far.
Is Arcturus Covid more infectious?
Arcturus may be up to 1.2 times more infectious that previous sub-variants, according to researchers.
Until now, the Kraken XBB.1.5 strain has dominated, however, the new variant has been identified in 22 countries and is more infectious, explained Maria van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Covid technical lead.
During a press conference last month Ms Van Kerkhove said: "One of the variants that we are looking at, and I think you specifically mentioned India, is a variant that we have under monitoring. This is the XBB.1.16.
"It’s actually very similar in profile to XBB.1.5. It has one additional mutation in the spike protein which in lab studies shows increase infectivity, as well as potential increased pathogenicity. So, it’s one that we are monitoring (...) because it has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye out on."
Are Arcturus cases more severe?
There is no evidence at the moment that Arcturus infection leads to more severe illness compared to previous Covid strain.
"At the present time there’s only about 800 sequences of XBB.1.16 from 22 countries. Most of the sequences are from India and in India XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation. So, this is one to watch. It has been in circulation for a few months," said Ms Van Kerkhove.
She added: “So far reports do not indicate a rise in hospitalisations, ICU admissions, or deaths due to XBB.1.16."
What is the impact in India?
According to figures from Our World in Data, run by Oxford University, cases have spiked across India in recent months,.
Officials in the country have went so far as to reintroduce face mask rules in some states as well as carrying out hospital drills to ready staff for a possible influx for Covid positive patients.
Earlier this week case numbers in India rose by 3,122 in a single day.
What is the situation in the UK?
According to the UKHSA, Arcturus has been detected in the UK in the past 12 weeks.
The health body flagged to potential problematic mutations in the new XBB.1.16 variant. It is understood that 66 sequences of the variant have been identified in the UK.
This does not necessarily translate to 66 cases, but since then more instances of the virus have been brought in internationally.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
