WHO identifies new symptom in highly transmissible COVID variant 'Arcturus'

XBB.1.16, a highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, is causing a surge of cases in India and is on the rise in the US, Singapore, and Australia. Pediatric cases of COVID-19 are increasing in India, with a new symptom of "itchy" conjunctivitis, which hasn't been seen in earlier COVID waves. Doctors are warning parents not to ignore symptoms, especially in children with obesity, asthma, and other immunocompromised conditions. XBB.1.16 is a recombinant of two descendants of "stealth Omicron" BA.2 and is considered "one to watch" due to its potential to infect more easily and cause more severe disease.