4 cases of Omicron subvariant identified in Alberta
CTV
The Alberta government says four cases of a contagious new subvariant of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 have been found here.
The Alberta government says four cases of a contagious new subvariant of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 have been found here.
Officials confirmed the details of the new "Kraken" COVID-19 variant to CTV News on Wednesday.
According to the World Health Organization, the "Kraken" variant is the most contagious strain of COVID-19 scientists have witnessed.
"The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is one of the newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 to emerge and spread widely. It has come about through the fusion of two earlier BA.2 Omicron variants," said Charity Wallace, assistant director of communication for Alberta Health, in a statement.
Wallace says the province is "monitoring" the new strain and will work to manage cases as they are confirmed.
In the meantime, she says Albertans should take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from being infected by the new subvariant or any other respiratory illness circulating in Alberta.
"We encourage Albertans to stay up-to-date on their immunizations," she said.
