As concerns mount over the first reported case of the highly transmissible XBB.1.5 variant (nicknamed “Kraken”) in South Africa, the Western Cape Department of Health is currently monitoring COVID-19 cases in the province.
Also read: SA tourism improves post Covid-19 pandemic
The new variant was discovered in gene sequencing carried out by researchers at the University of Stellenbosch from a sample that was taken on 27 December.
The World Health Organization reports that this variant has already become the dominant strain in the United States and has also been detected in over two dozen other countries.
Spokesperson for the provincial Health Department, Mark van der Heever, said that department would provide more information regarding the detection of the “Kraken” in due course.
“The Western Cape Department of Health has ongoing surveillance and monitoring of Covid cases, hospitalisations, and deaths from a number of Covid-19 variants,” he said. “Vaccination remains our best defence against infection, which is why we urge the public to get vaccinated and receive their booster shots.”
Meanwhile, the national department is still gathering information about the case, according to spokesperson Foster Mohale.
“The department has been alerted to the case of a variant of concern called XBB.1.5 and is still gathering information about the case, including the patient’s health condition and travel history, (as well as the) severity and transmissibility of the case.”
“All these will enable the department to make an informed public announcement.”
“The case was not confirmed at a public health laboratory, which makes it difficult for the department to immediately obtain all relevant information,” Mohale said.
Dr Jo Barnes, an emeritus senior lecturer in the Department of Global Health at Stellenbosch University, believes that the variant may spread quickly across South Africa because most people aren’t wearing masks and taking other protective measures.
According to IOL, Barnes confirmed that the first case of XBB.1.5 had been identified in the country, explaining that Kraken was a subvariant of Omicron but was reportedly much more infectious than preceding ones.
“This means it may evade the immunity that was built up by past Covid-19 infections or by vaccinations,” she said.
“It would be in the interests of anybody who qualifies for an update of their vaccination to get a booster shot.”
“Since most people are by now not wearing masks or taking other anti-virus protection measures, it may spread fast.”
“It has been reported in at least 26 countries across the world.”
“What we don’t know yet is whether – apart from its highly infectious nature – it actually causes more severe disease. So far it may not, but we will have to wait and see what it does to the South African population.”
She added that ordinary precautions, such as regular hand-washing and wearing a mask, would also help keep the infection at bay for those who are particularly susceptible to severe disease.
Also read:
JUST IN | SA records first case of highly contagious, XBB.1.5 Covid variant
Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library