KATHMANDU, April 6: The new variant of corona virus 'Omicron XBB 1.16', which has been detected for the first time in Nepal, is reported to be more infectious.

The new variant is comparatively less lethal and more contagious, said Acting Director of Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Control Division, Dr Hemant Ojha. The new variant could cause more problems to the chronically ill people, those with low immunity to fight disease and elderly people.

Doctors have urged people to remain cautious as the latest variant of COVID-19 spreads quickly. Among those infected with the new variant, four people have been hospitalized so far of which three have returned home and one is undergoing treatment, said Dr Manisha Rawal, Director of Sukraraj Tropical and Communicable Diseases Hospital.

People carrying the new variant Omicron XBB 1.16 are found to suffer from symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

 
• Omicron_XBB_1.16
 
• Nepal
 
• infectious