Viral WhatsApp message on Covid-19 XBB variant is fake

Hyderabad: A WhatsApp message with misleading facts and claims regarding the new Covid-19 Omicron subvariant XBB is circulating online. It states that the subvariant XBB is five times stronger and deadlier than the Delta variant.

The viral message further claims that "the symptoms of the new XBB variant does not include having cough or fever but a limited number of joint pains, headache, upper back pain, neck pain, and pneumonia will be its symptoms."

Here is the WhatsApp message:

NewsMeter received the post on its WhatsApp fact-check tipline.

Fact Check

So, what is XBB subvariant?

According to the World Health Organisation, "XBB is a recombinant of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 sublineages. As of epidemiological week 40 (3 to 9 October), from the sequences submitted to GISAID, XBB has a global prevalence of 1.3% and it has been detected in 35 countries."

Is the new variant five times deadlier than what we saw earlier?

On this, WHO says, "While further studies are needed, the current data do not suggest there are substantial differences in disease severity for XBB infections. There is, however, early evidence pointing at a higher reinfection risk, as compared to other circulating Omicron sublineages."

Also, on 22 December, the Union ministry of health tweeted that the WhatsApp message about XBB is fake.

Further, the Association of International Doctors in India has tweeted a video on their official Twitter handle explaining the transmissibility of the new Omicron variant XBB.

Lastly, you can keep track of Covid updates on the website of the ministry of health.

It is evident that the viral message lacks scientific evidence. Hence, the claim is false.