The new Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant is expected to account for 49.1% of new cases of novel coronavirus infection in the United States during the week ending January 21, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. diseases (CDC).
This sub-variant is spreading rapidly in the United States. It accounted for 37.2% of total cases in the week ending Jan. 14, down from 35.5% the previous week, according to the same source.
XBB.1.5 is currently the most transmissible variant in the country. Based on its genetic characteristics and estimates of early growth rate, it could contribute to the increased incidence of cases, according to the World Health Organization.
Two other major subvariants of Omicron, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, accounted for about 40% of new cases recorded in the country over the past week, according to the CDC.