WHO has expressed concern about the beginning of a new wave of coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization, a new subviant of XBB.1.5 of the omicron strain has been reported in 29 countries. Moreover, within weeks it has become the dominant version in the USA. The new mutation is now spreading widely in European countries.

"We are concerned about the rate of increase. Because XBB.1.5 has the highest infectivity of the variants known so far. The worrying aspect is that it could trigger a new wave of coronavirus pandemics worldwide," said WHO expert Maria Van Kerkhove.

The organisation's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, talking about the mutation, which was discovered in late 2022, said it was a recombinant version of BA.2 omicron.

"A new wave of infections is expected around the world. But we don't think it will lead to an increase in mortality rates. Because we have accumulated enough experience with this virus in the past," noted Tedros Ghebreyesus.