WHO warns of new Omicron subvariant as COVID fatigue sets in.

The World Health Organization is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.16, which is driving a surge of cases in India and has been identified in several other countries. The variant has additional mutations in the virus's spike protein, which could make it more infectious and cause more severe disease. XBB.1.16 is considered "one to watch" due to its potential to outpace the highly transmissible XBB.1.5 variant and its ability to overcome antibodies from prior infection and vaccination. While hospitalizations and deaths have not yet risen due to the variant, it is fueling a steady increase in fresh cases throughout India. It is important to stay vigilant as viral evolution continues and the effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics, and tests may change.