Infectious disease specialist Dr Rana Jawad Asghar says that the XBB variant of the coronavirus coming to Pakistan was the same reported in China that caused a spike in cases.

Earlier today, the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi confirmed the detection of six coronavirus cases belonging to the highly-contagious Omicron subvariant XBB.

Dr Rana Jawad told Aaj News that the new subvariant of Omicron will continue to emerge and replace older variants. “New variants and sub-variants are more active and spread more rapidly than earlier ones.”

He said that the XBB 1.5 variant was already spreading in the US.

The strain, known XBB.1.5, accounts for about 41% of confirmed COVID cases across the nation, according to data from the Centre for Disease Control. The mutation has gained considerable traction over the past week, the CDC noted — jumping from just 21% seven days ago.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the XBB is a highly contagious subvariant of Covid-19’s Omicron strain. As per early evidence, the XBB variant had a higher reinfection risk, as compared to other circulating Omicron sublineages.

Airport screening

According to the instructions of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), disinfection sprays and disinfection sprays are being carried out in immigration halls at airports to control the spread.

Disinfection process is ensured after international flights and disinfection process is also ongoing in lounges and concourse area. A random sampling of 2 percent of international flight passengers has also been released.

However, Dr Asghar opined that screening at airports would be of no use in these circumstances. “It is very difficult to stop the virus at the borders.”

The epidemiologist said that the could be avoided by taking precautionary measures. “Those who have not been vaccinated should get vaccinated immediately. Those who want to get a booster, should get a booster dose. Vaccination cannot prevent disease, but it can reduce disease severity and mortality.”

Dr Asghar emphasised the importance of ventilation in houses and use of masks outside, saying that the government should make it mandatory.