The Omicron XBB.1.5 variant of COVID-19 does not have any mutations known to increase the severity of the virus in individuals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a risk assessment (pdf) published on Jan. 11, the health agency said that the XBB.1.5 variant “does not carry any mutation known to be associated with potential change in severity.”
“Based on its genetic characteristics and early growth rate estimates, XBB.1.5 may contribute to increases in case incidence globally,” the agency said.
However, it noted that “to date, the overall confidence in the assessment is low as growth advantage estimates are only from one country, the United States of America.”…