New Covid-19 variant XBB.1.16 'Arcturus' detected in China

(ECNS) -- The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday it had detected 15 cases of XBB.1.16 and two cases of XBB.1.16.1, indicating that this new COVID-19 variant has been spread to China.

The variant is also known as Arcturus. "Arcturus" is actually a Latinized version of the ancient Greek name Arktouros, which means “Guardian of the Bear.”It has been detected in 29 countries so far.

There have been reports of conjunctivitis symptoms with XBB.1.16 infections. Conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye, is when your conjunctiva gets inflamed and swollen. 

On March 22, the World Health Organization classified the XBB.1.16 as a new variant under monitoring.