Residents Advised To Take Precautions, Get Bivalent Vaccine To Protect Against Xbb.1.16 Strain
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms three cases of the new Omicron strain in the area. With the strain possibly being more communicable, residents are advised to remain cautious, be mindful of new symptoms such as conjunctivitis, and take practical measures to prevent infection from XBB.1.16 strain, also known as “Arcturus.”
At-home COVID-19 testing kits are available and can be obtained from local libraries and community sites across Los Angeles County or Public Health vaccination sites. Public Health also provides free COVID-19 in-home vaccination and booster appointments for residents who cannot leave their homes.
While it is too early to know if XBB.1.16 is genuinely associated with higher rates of conjunctivitis, residents are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers if they experience symptoms such as itchy, red, or watery eyes, as untreated conjunctivitis can cause damage to the cornea.
To protect against the new strain, the Public Health is offering bivalent vaccines and boosters to eligible residents free of charge, regardless of their insurance or immigration status. Those at higher risk of severe illness are also advised to consider masking in crowded places and taking extra precautions such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching their faces, staying home when sick, and testing.
Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer also urges residents to remain vigilant and take practical measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including vaccination, testing, and the use of common-sense precautions. The weekly reported case count for COVID-19 slightly decreased, but the small increase in wastewater concentrations of SARS-COV-2 this week may reflect the beginning of more spread associated with the new strain. Los Angeles County is in the CDC’s Low COVID-19 Community Level for the 15th consecutive week, with a weekly reported case rate of 26 new cases per 100,000 people, 2.9 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, and a 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients at 1.6%.
