A New COVID-19 strain, XBB.1.5, has emerged as one of the dominant variants in Los Angeles County, according to the result of the analysis of local samples by the County’s Health Department.
According to the data, Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 was detected in 34% of sequenced COVID-19 specimens in L.A. County for the week ending Feb. 11.
Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1 was also detected in 34% of sequenced specimens while Omicron subvariant CH.1.5 was detected in 2.4% of all sequenced specimens.
Like previous versions of the virus, Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 was described as one of the most transmissible strains when it was detected months ago, which is not surprising given how mutations work.
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has confirmed the presence of the XBB.1.5 subvariant in the community.
“Pasadena Public Health Department staff have observed the presence of the XBB. 1.5 Omicron subvariant,” Jennifer Colby, Public Information Coordinator at PPHD said. “The genomic sequencing process needed to identify the strain in each COVID-19 case is costly and time-intensive, so it is only performed on a small number of samples.”
Colby reported that after a decline in COVID-19 cases since the start of 2023, cases have stabilized in the Low Community Level.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, the 7-Day Daily Average of COVID-19 cases has nearly declined by half with the number of average daily cases declining from 30.3 on Jan. 1 to 14.7 on Feb. 15.
Despite the positive development, PPHD is advising the public to remain vigilant as the new dominant strain has more potential to cause infection.
PPHD is asking residents to get vaccinated and boosted. “The bivalent booster is extremely effective in decreasing the spread of all COVID-19 variants, including XBB. 1.5, and preventing hospitalizations and deaths,” said Colby.
Vaccines are offered for free at PPHD building at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
PPHD is also advising residents to wear a well-fitted high-quality mask such as KN95 or N95 in crowded settings, wash hands regularly, get tested if experiencing symptoms, stay at home when sick and avoid close contact with others and seek treatment if they test positive for COVID-19.
To stay updated on local COVID-19 trends, visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/covid-19-dashboard/.
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