A second case of the highly transmissible Covid-19 subvariant XBB.1.5 has been found in South Africa, but the National Institute for Communicable Diseases said on Wednesday that there was nothing to indicate that either symptoms or severity would be different from those caused by other subvariants.
Dr Nicole Wolter from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said there was no South African data on symptoms and severity caused by this subvariant, as only two cases of XBB.1.5 had been reported in SA to date.
She said data from other countries where XBB.1.5 is circulating more widely indicate that the symptoms and severity of infection from XBB.1.5 are not different from that of previously circulating Omicron sublineages.
The current dominant Covid-19 subvariant in South Africa is Omicron lineage BQ.1, which has been increasing in prevalence in South Africa since October 2022. The NICD has said that given its transmissibility, XBB.1.5 might take over as the dominant strain in South Africa.
The most important preventative measure remains Covid-19 vaccination and staying up to date with recommended boosters as per the National Department of Health guidelines. If individuals wish to further reduce their risk of infection with Covid-19 and other respiratory pathogens, they may choose to avoid large gatherings, particularly in areas with poor ventilation, and to wear masks.
“The minister of health, Dr Joe Phaahla, said last week that no new lockdown or regulations relating to Covid-19 would be introduced to respond to XBB.1.5 being found in South Africa.”