This distinct symptom appears to be present in the new Covid variation “Arcturus.”

This distinct symptom appears to be present in the new Covid variation “Arcturus.”The World Health Organization (WHO) is keeping an eye on a novel Covid variant that appears to have a new symptom in youngsters that is infrequently brought on by existing Omicron sub variants. Arcturus, also known as XBB.1.16, is causing a new upsurge in numerous nations, including the US, Singapore, and Australia.According to Richard Reithinger, an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, it is “probably too early to tell” whether the virus’s symptom profile has actually changed. He pointed out that conjunctivitis has already been included as a Covid symptom.

The virus that could cause conjunctivitis has previously been discovered in the tear film of the eye by researchers at Nebraska Medicine’s Truhlsen Eye Institute. Conjunctivitis symptoms include watery or teary eyes, redness, swelling, pain or irritation, itching, and discharge, according to the Institute.The XBB.1.16 and its offspring, according to Raj Rajnarayanan, assistant dean of research and associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, have “the oomph to outcompete” other Covid variants since new variants evolve swiftly.