Newer COVID-19 Strain XBB.1.5 Emerges as Dominant in LA County

Patient receives Covid-19 vaccine shot. By Steven Cornfield.

A newer COVID-19 Omicron strain, XBB.1.5, has emerged as dominant in Los Angeles County, according to the most recent analysis of local COVID-19 samples from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health. XBB.1.5 accounts for 32.8% of sequenced COVID-19 specimens in Los Angeles County for the week ending Jan. 21, outcompeting BQ.1.1, the previously dominant strain.

While new emergent strains have the potential to drive surges in transmission, Los Angeles County is reporting a steady number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations compared to the week prior, Los Angeles County remains in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection’s (CDC) Low COVID-19 Community Level for the fourth consecutive week.

Because the new dominant strain has more potential to cause infection, Public Health officials are asking residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes, to consider using common-sense protections, such as getting the bivalent booster, testing before large gatherings, and seeking immediate treatment, if sick.

Bivalent boosters offer significant protection even against the newer COVID strains circulating now, including XBB.1.5. The bivalent booster is free and available to adults and children ages 6 months or older two months after their last COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

Details:1-833-540-0473; VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (en español).

Reporters Desk