With New COVID-19 Strain Confirmed in Los Angeles County, Be Aware of Symptoms, Take Precautions

LOS ANGELES  — With the first cases of the newest Omicron strain confirmed in Los Angeles County, residents are being asked to be aware of possible new COVID-19 symptoms, which include conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye,” and take the same sensible COVID-19 precautions to help avoid infection from the new and likely more communicable XBB.1.16 strain, also known as “Arcturus.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health has confirmed three reported cases of the new strain. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC predicts that XBB.1.16 currently accounts for 8% of COVID-19 cases in California and 10% nationally.

Observational data suggests that people infected with XBB.1.16 may be more likely to experience conjunctivitis as a symptom of their COVID-19 infection, along with more traditional COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Conjunctivitis can be painful and itchy, highly contagious and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the cornea. Historically, conjunctivitis was reported in 1-3% of COVID-19 cases.
Given limited data, it is too early to know with certainty if XBB.1.16 is truly associated with higher rates of conjunctivitis, amid an already active allergy season in Southern California. However, residents should be aware that itchy, watery or red eyes may be a sign of a COVID-19 infection and these symptoms should not be simply dismissed as a result of pollen or seasonal allergies, especially if someone more vulnerable to severe illness could be exposed. At-home COVID-19 testing is an important tool to use to rule out possible COVID-19. And because untreated conjunctivitis can cause eye damage, those who suspect conjunctivitis should speak with their health care provider.

Free COVID-19 at-home tests can still be picked up at libraries and community sites across Los Angeles County and at Public Health vaccination sites or ordered through the federal government. Additionally, insurance policies are still required to reimburse each member for up to eight COVID-19 tests per month. Information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.
Because XBB.1.16 is a descendant of the Omicron variant, current vaccines and therapeutics are highly likely to remain protective and able to ward off severe illness. Public health noted, the fact that there are new strains, with possibly new and different symptoms, explains that COVID continues to evolve and the way we think about our protections should reflect what we know.
As XBB.1.16 has a mutation that results in greater potential for infection, older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions may want to take extra precautions to avoid infection, including making sure they have received a bivalent booster, frequent hand washing, avoiding touching their eyes and face, staying home when sick and testing. Those at higher risk of severe illness may also want to consider masking in crowded places.
Public Health is offering bivalent vaccines and boosters to eligible residents at no cost, regardless of their insurance or immigration status, at hundreds of locations throughout Los Angeles County. Vaccination locations and appointments can be found at VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (en español) or by calling 1-833-540-0473.
For residents who have difficulties leaving their home, Public Health offers free in-home COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments. Appointments may be booked at ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-540-0473.