New Omicron Variant XBB.1.16 Continues Spread But Causes No Worse Symptoms

XBB.1.16, also known as "Arcturus," is an Omicron descendant that is more contagious than previous strains and evades immune detection.
XBB.1.16 is rising steadily in the U.S. and now makes up about 10% of cases but does not appear to cause more severe illness or new symptoms like conjunctivitis.
Vaccines are still being evaluated against XBB.1.16 but are expected to remain effective, though the virus continues to evolve.
XBB.1.16 drove a surge of cases in India but its exact role in increasing infections there is unclear.
XBB.1.16 causes symptoms similar to other Omicron variants and is not the last new variant that will emerge.