WHO: Omicron subviant XBB.1.5 emerges with new symptoms

In the following months, the XBB.1.5 subtype of the omicron strain has been spreading widely in several countries. This is thought to be the most infectious mutation we have known so far. World Health Organisation experts are worried that the disease could eventually become the dominant version on Earth and that the number of cases could rise sharply.

WHO experts have concluded that the nature of the XBB.1.5 sub-variant, called "kraken", has changed slightly since last year. So far, no serious complications have occurred among those infected, but the appearance of new symptoms specific to this mutation is somewhat worrisome.

Nausea and back pain have been reported to be among them. These are accompanied by symptoms such as headache, diarrhoea, fever, chills, fatigue and loss of taste and smell.