The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 has dropped from 40.5% of confirmed US cases for the week ending Dec. 31, 2022, to 18.3% of cases for the same period. This decrease is encouraging news, however, the XBB.1.5 variant is still the most transmissible form of Omicron and the only one that is still showing growth in the US.
The World Health Organization's technical lead on COVID-19, Dr. Ashish Jha, has stated that it is still unclear if the XBB.1.5 variant is more severe than previous variants. The BQ.1.1 variant made up 34% of cases last week.
It is important to note that the decrease in XBB.1.5 cases is encouraging news for the US, yet it is equally important to maintain precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends that individuals continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings and frequently wash their hands. It is also recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.