COVID-19 Infectious new “Kraken’’ Subvariant

Top Stories
Latest
New Zealand
World
In-Depth
Sport
Te Ao Māori
Environment
Politics
Entertainment
Covid-19: Infectious new ‘Kraken’ subvariant arrives in NZ
By Alan Kenyon, 1News Digital Editor
Mon, Jan 9
|
1News

Omicron. (Source: Getty)
The new Omicron subvariant dubbed “Kraken” has been detected in New Zealand for the first time according to the Ministry of Health.

“The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) reported the whole genome sequencing results for two Covid-19 cases with XBB.1.5 late last week,” the ministry said in a statement this afternoon.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) senior epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove last week said XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible Omicron sub-variant detected so far.

It spreads rapidly because of the mutations it contains, allowing it to adhere to cells and replicate easily.

ADVERTISEMENT
The subvariant is fast becoming dominant in the US, leading to a rise in hospitalisations of worst affected areas, according to leading epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl Ding.

Read More
Covid-19: Covid numbers fall as 21,685 new cases reported

“The detection of XBB.1.5 is not unexpected, following its recent detection in Australia and globally, and our Covid-19 response accounts for the emergence of new variants,” the ministry said.

“So far, most Omicron variants have not demonstrated a change in severity of the disease, and there is no evidence at this stage to indicate XBB.1.5 causes more severe disease compared to other variants.”

It comes as there were 21,685 new Covid-19 cases reported in New Zealand over the past week.

It continues a trend of falling case numbers over the last two weeks, however its unclear how the holiday period has affected people logging their positive tests online.

The Ministry of Health said it “remains unknown” how the Kraken subvariant will compete against other Covid variants in New Zealand.

ADVERTISEMENT
“Relative to many other parts of the world, New Zealand currently has a high level of immunity based on high vaccine uptake, combined with a recent wave of infections (so-called ‘hybrid immunity’).

Vaccines are still expected to provide protection against severe disease from XBB.1.5, particularly in those who have received boosters. We encourage people to get their vaccine and booster doses when they fall due,” the ministry said.

NEW ZEALAND
COVID-19
SHARE
LATEST
POPULAR
4 MINS AGO
Timeline: Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister
3:07

7 MINS AGO
‘A jolt around the world’ – how the world reacted to PM’s resignation
1:57

12 MINS AGO
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to step down
1:34

24 MINS AGO
LIVE: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces her resignation
0:42

26 MINS AGO
Search underway for another swimmer missing in Lake Wakatipu

10:59AM
How to live sustainably without losing quality of life
Sponsored by EECA

RELATED STORIES
Long Covid could become NZ’s leading cause of disability – expert

Covid-19: Child among 57 deaths as case numbers drop further

Covid-19: ‘Novel features’ of Kraken cause for concern – expert

More from the web
Scientists: Brain Scan Uncovers The Real Root Cause Of Tinnitus (Ear Ringing)
Healthy Guru
If You Have Moles, Warts & Skin Tags, Please Read This Urgently!
Bliss Skin Tag Remover
Most iPhone Users Didn’t Know This Simple Trick To Block Ads (Do It Now)
Safe Mobile Tips
Signs of Schizophrenia – Take a Look at Them (They May Surprise You)
Schizophrenia | Search Ads
3 Steps This Man Uses When Playing Slots To Hit The Jackpot
Buzzdaily Winners
What is Psoriatic Arthritis? See Indicators (Some May Surprise)
Psoriatic Arthritis | Search Ads
  BY TABOOLA SPONSORED LINKS 

Follow 1NEWS
1NEWS Apps
More TVNZ
About TVNZ
Careers
Contact Us
Help & FAQs
House Rules
© TVNZ 2023