CDC: The possibility of a large-scale epidemic caused by the XBB series mutant strain is low in the short term

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Information released by the CDC on the 4th shows that the absolute dominant strains of the new coronavirus currently endemic in China are BA.5.2 and BF.7, and the neutralizing antibodies produced by individuals after infection with BA.5.2 or BF.7 will remain relatively high in the short term (3 months) and are expected to provide good cross-protection against other branches of the Omicron variant strains, including XBB. The possibility of a large-scale epidemic caused by the XBB family of mutant strains, including XBB.1.5, is low in the short term in China.

Xu Wenbo, director of the Institute of Viral Diseases at the CDC, said XBB is a recombinant strain of two mutant strains BJ.1 and BM.1.1.1 derived from Omicron BA.2, which is prevalent mainly in the United States, India, Malaysia and Singapore. The new mutant branch, which accounts for a rapidly increasing percentage of new crown cases in the United States, reached 40% last week. In the past three months, China has monitored the introduction of BF.7, BQ.1 and XBB, but BQ.1 and XBB have not yet formed a dominant transmission in China.

The experts introduced that in terms of indigenous cases, 16 cases of indigenous XBB were reported from October to December 2022, all of which were XBB.1 evolutionary branch, mainly concentrated in October to November, and only one case in December.

No increase in the pathogenicity of XBB.1.5 has been reported in any country, nor has an increase in the proportion of infected patients hospitalized and death from disease been reported, nor have differences in the clinical symptoms caused by it compared to other Omicron subbranches.

In response to the Internet rumor that the XBB strain triggers vomiting and diarrhea, Li Dong, chief physician of the Department of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases at Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, has said that some people infected with the new coronavirus do have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, which usually resolve on their own in 1-3 days, and that no XBB strain has been found to be more likely to invade the cardiovascular system and digestive system.

Experts suggest that, as with the prevention of other Omicron subtype virus infections, individuals must still be the first to take responsibility for their own health. Adhere to regular work and rest, keep the living room tidy, open the windows frequently, exercise scientifically, ensure a healthy diet and improve the body’s immunity. Do a good job of self-health monitoring, an appropriate amount of stockpile of common household drugs.