In any case, he stresses that there are quite a few knowledge gaps about the variant, and this assessment may change in the coming weeks as more evidence becomes available.
The short threat assessment report released today by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assesses the overall EU/EEA level of risk associated with the spread of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 (Kraken) as low to the general population.
The risk is moderate to high for vulnerable people such as the elderly and the unvaccinated and immunocompromised, depending on their immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
There are quite a few knowledge gaps about XBB.1.5 and this assessment may change in the coming weeks as more evidence becomes available.
Mathematical modeling by ECDC shows that XBB1.5 could become dominant in the EU/EEA after one to two months, given the low rates reported in the EU/EEA and its estimated growth rate.
Currently, there is no evidence that the severity of the XBB.1.5 infection is different from that of the circulating Omicron subtypes.
“The XBB1.5 subtype is currently only present at very low levels in the EU/EEA, but may become predominant in the EU/EEA in the coming months,” ECDC director Andrea Ammon said, noting that “in light of therefore, ECDC recommends appropriate testing and sequencing, increasing vaccinations against COVID-19 and strengthening infection prevention and control measures.”
“Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as staying at home when sick, telecommuting, good indoor ventilation and appropriate use of face masks should also be considered,” added Ms Ammon.
XBB.1.5 is a subclass of XBB, which evolved from two previous Omicron classes, with an additional pin change.
It was first detected in the US in October 2022 and has been increasing proportionally in the US and many countries around the world since then, including several EU/EEA countries, the ECDC reports.
As of 12 January 2023, ECDC has designated this subtype as a variant of interest.
ECDC suggests the following options in response to public health authorities in the EU/EEA:
*Maintain or improve appropriate testing and sequencing levels of SARS-CoV-2, in line with targets and based on ECDC/WHO guidance as well as timely data sharing.
*Appropriate risk communication for healthcare professionals and the public, including information about treatment options.
*Improve the timely uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, including primary doses and booster doses according to national guidelines.
*Evaluation of time-limited and non-pharmacological interventions such as staying at home when sick, telecommuting, appropriate use of face masks and good indoor ventilation.
RES-EMP
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