A new subvariant of COVID-19, XBB.1.5, or “Kraken”, is being considered the most transmissible version of the Omicron variant to date.
Huron-Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen says this variant is starting to pop up around Canada, but there have been no recorded cases in Huron-Perth.
“Right now in the province, the number of [Kraken] cases is low. The majority of cases are still the BA.5 subvariant,” said Dr. Klassen. “Whether [Kraken] is going to become dominant, or outcompete the other variants or not, remains to be seen.”
Since it’s more transmissible, Dr. Klassen says immunity is unlikely.
“What we’re seeing is that it does spread even more easily than previous variants which means that it seems to be able to escape the immunity that is gained by either having been infected previously and/or having been vaccinated,” she said.
Although it bypasses immunity, Dr. Klassen is still urging residents to keep up with their COVID-19 vaccinations, as it’s still effective in lessening the severity of the disease.
“With ‘Kraken’, there appears to be some evidence that vaccines won’t work as well against acquiring infections. What vaccines have been really good at is reducing the risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and death,” said Dr. Klassen. “From our data and experience so far with Kraken, there is no reason to suspect that will change.”
Dr. Klassen says in addition to vaccinations, residents should continue self monitoring their symptoms, wearing masks in crowded areas, and staying home when ill to reduce the spread.
