The new Arcturus Covid variant was discovered in Ireland amid growing concerns about its rapid spread.
Irish health authorities have confirmed three cases of the strain known as Omicron XBB.1.16, reports The Mirror.
The latest data from the Irish Center for Health Protection Surveillance shows that cases were reported before April 8, 2023.
The Arcturus Covid variant, first identified on January 23 of this year, has attracted the attention of experts around the world. So far it has been detected in at least 28 countries.
Arcturus has been classified as a variant of concern by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), reports The Mirror.
The World Health Organization (WHO) technical lead for the 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,” reports The Mirror.
According to the Irish HSE, the most common symptoms of Covid are fever, dry cough and fatigue.
It lists conjunctivitis under less common symptoms, along with:
– Loss or change in your sense of smell or taste
– Nasal congestion (runny or stuffy nose)
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Muscle or joint pain (aches and aches)
– Various types of rashes
– Nausea or vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Chills or dizziness
The HSE says: ”If you have any symptoms of Covid and feel unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. You usually do not need to have a Covid test. But if you choose to do one and it is positive, there is different advice you need to follow,” reports RTE.
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