First Detection of Highly Transmissible 'Omicron Variant' in China

Experts Say "No Large-Scale Spread Expected"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunha] As the subvariant 'XBB.1.5' of the COVID-19 Omicron variant was detected for the first time in China, experts predict that there will be no large-scale spread.

According to the People's Daily on the 18th, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the genetic sequences of 16,583 infection cases in mainland China from December 1 last year to recently, and announced that one case each of 'XBB.1' and XBB.1.5 were found.

The XBB.1.5 variant is a new variant that was not detected in the investigation conducted until the 23rd of last month.

XBB.1.5 is a subvariant of XBB, which was derived from BA.2, known as the 'stealth Omicron.' XBB was first identified in India in August last year and led to a resurgence in Singapore.

In the United States, multiple Omicron subvariants were identified simultaneously last fall, with XBB.1.5 rapidly outpacing other variants. As of the end of last year, it accounted for about 40% of all new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. The World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiology officer also described it as "the most transmissible Omicron subvariant."

Additionally, XBB has been regarded as the "worst existing COVID-19 variant" in terms of immune evasion, and some analyses suggested that XBB.1.5 surpasses it.

However, Chinese experts dismissed the possibility of widespread infection for the time being, citing the already established herd immunity. Cai Weiping, chief specialist at the Infectious Disease Center of the 8th Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, told the People's Daily, "We recently had a relatively large number of infections, forming a certain level of herd immunity," adding, "There are no signs that XBB.1.5 will cause a large-scale infection in a short period."

He emphasized, "There is no need to worry too much about this variant virus," but also stressed, "People who have not experienced COVID-19 infection or high-risk groups such as the elderly should get vaccinated in advance."