The National Institute of Health (INS), through its Genomic Surveillance team, recognized the presence of the XBB.1.5 of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19in three cases residing in Lima, which are stable, according to the Ministry of Health (Minsa).
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This variant is a descendant of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virusthe cause of COVID-19 identified in 38 countries, especially in the United States, where it represents 43% of the sequenced samples.
Together with XBB.1, XBB.1.5 is the lineage with the greatest capacity for transmission and immune evasion, being able to cause infection in people with a history of previous vaccination or infection. However, to date, there are no data to suggest increased mortality.
The discovery of XBB.1.5 implies that there may be more related cases, so there could be an increase in cases of COVID-19 In the next weeks.
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Given this, the Sometimes reiterates the importance of wearing masks in closed places and completing the doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which include the application of boosters according to the regular vaccination schedule.
