Even as the omicron subvariant BA.2 becomes the dominant COVID strain in the U.S., health officials are beginning to warn of yet another variant, which could possibly be even more contagious

The variant, XE, is compromised of genetic material from two other strains – BA.1, the original omicron strain and BA.2 – or the “stealth” omicron – a name given for its ability to evade certain types of tests.  Preliminary reports from the World Health Organization indicated that XE is around 10% more transmissible than BA.2, though those findings are still being investigated

The variant was first detected in the UK (United Kingdom) in mid-January; since then some 600 cases of XE have been reported.  BA.2 is now being blamed for more than a 50% share of COVID infections across the U.S. – with the hardest-hit area being in the Northeast where it is blamed for more than 70% of all cases.

Experts said the symptoms of BA.2 are similar to that of the original omicron variant, both in terms of what patients are experiencing and severity – that means symptoms of a mild BA.2 infection include things like cough, fever, fatigue and a possible loss of taste or smell.  Other symptoms may well include runny nose, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and a skin rash.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)