The Covid-19 pandemic continues to develop with new variants emerging and spreading across the world. One of the latest subvariants, named Arcturus, has been causing alarm in India, where it has been linked to a surge of infections and deaths.
What is the Arcturus Covid variant?
The Arcturus Covid variant is a subvariant of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India in October 2020 and has since become dominant in many countries. The Arcturus variant has several mutations that make it more transmissible and potentially more resistant to vaccines and treatments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Arcturus variant has been classified as a “variant of interest”, meaning that it has genetic changes that may affect its characteristics and requires further monitoring.
Where has the Arcturus Covid variant been found?
The Arcturus Covid variant has been mainly reported in India, where it accounts for about 20% of the cases as of April 2023. It has also been detected in other countries, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. The WHO estimates that the Arcturus variant has been found in at least 15 countries so far.
How dangerous is the Arcturus Covid variant?
The Arcturus Covid variant is believed to be more contagious than the original strain of the virus, as well as the Alpha and Beta variants. Some studies suggest that it may also be more virulent, meaning that it causes more severe disease and higher mortality rates. However, more data is needed to confirm these findings. The Arcturus variant may also pose a challenge for the current vaccines and treatments, as some of the mutations may reduce their effectiveness. However, experts say that the vaccines still offer some protection against severe disease and death from the Arcturus variant.
What are the symptoms of the Arcturus Covid variant?
The symptoms of the Arcturus Covid variant are similar to those of other variants, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, headache, and fatigue. However, some people infected with the Arcturus variant may also experience conjunctivitis or sticky eyes, especially in children. This symptom has been reported in about 10% of the cases in India. Experts advise people to seek medical attention if they develop any signs of Covid-19 infection.
How can we prevent the spread of the Arcturus Covid variant?
The best way to prevent the spread of the Arcturus Covid variant is to follow the same public health measures that have been recommended for other variants. These include wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The WHO also urges countries to enhance their genomic surveillance and testing capacities to detect and track new variants.
Additionally, people who have traveled from areas where the Arcturus variant is prevalent should quarantine and get tested upon arrival.
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