The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is now tracking a new COVID-19 variant of concern around the U.S. known as XBB, which has grown to make up over 3% of new infections nationwide.
"XBB, it got our attention and then was prioritized, even though it was small numbers, because it had quite a number of substitutions different from the currently circulating viruses in the [receptor-binding domain], which meant that it might be an escape variant," Smith said.
The NIH effort's scientists early on began ordering supplies to manufacture mock-ups of XBB to test how it might escape immunity in the laboratory compared to other strains. Data also now suggests the new COVID boosters will offer at least some improved protection against the strain.by Pfizer and BioNTech earlier this month, which was posted as a preprint and has yet to be peer reviewed, found their updated COVID booster looks to be effective at triggering better antibody responses against an XBB strain.
However, the company's scientists also said it was among the variants that saw the worst neutralization from their shot. "It doesn't fall off the map, but it goes down. So, you could expect some protection, but not the optimal protection," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the president's chief medical adviser, said Wednesday at a White House
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CDC says it's now tracking a new COVID variant known as XBBThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed it is now tracking a new variant of concern around the U.S. known as XBB, which has grown to make up an estimated 3.1% of new infections nationwide.
Read more »
WHO and the CDC declares measles as a global imminent threat, Covid to blameA combined report from two major public health bodies has declared measles an “eminent threat” to the global community.
Read more »
Protesters occupy county building as tenants reel from COVID rent relief program’s endIssues with the rent relief program extend beyond funding, protesters and advocates say. One report said rent relief was not getting to those who need it most. Read more from our partners at inewsource.
Read more »
TODAY.com poll reveals COVID-19 trend people are following this ThanksgivingAs Thanksgiving Day draws closer, it's safe to say a mix of chaos and calm are on the menu.
Read more »
Newark teachers will get $1M in COVID backpay, union saysThe district will have to reinstate sick days and repay teachers who had to isolate after being exposed to COVID, an arbitrator ruled Wednesday.
Read more »
Ice Cube Lost $9 Million Movie Role After Refusing to Get the COVID VaccineIce Cube claimed that he lost out on a $9 million role in an upcoming movie because he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 — details
Read more »