This week's subvariant data shows that BQ.1.1 accounts for 31.7% of cases in the New England region, followed by BQ.1 at 29.6%. XBB, another immune-evading variant, is responsible for another 11% of cases.
, they pose a significant threat to people with compromised immune systems because key antibody treatments are resistant to them.
The omicron boosters also trigger a weaker immune response against the BQ and XBB subvariants than they do to the previously dominant version of the virus, . The shots were designed against the BA.5 subvariant, which is now causing just 11% of infections in the U.S. White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, in a press conference last month, said the boosters will still provide protection against the more immune evasive subvariants, though not at an optimal level. Fauci said protection declines some with BQ.1.1, but drops multifold against XBB.Here in Massachusetts, COVID infections and hospitalizations have been increasing since the Thanksgiving holiday, with Christmas and the New Year holidays just around the corner.
, up from 5,068 the previous week. The state's seven-day average positivity also rose to 7.85% Thursday, compared to 7.14% the week before.has also been showing some increases,
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dave the cat is coming home with England after Three Lions stars adopt himDave the cat, who became the England's unofficial mascot during the tournament, will swap sizzling Qatar for freezing Britain ❄️
Read more »
England 1-2 France: Rating the players as Three Lions bow out of World CupThat was a sickener, wasn’t it? The two Harrys will inevitably get grief but Gareth Southgate’s England side can return from the World Cup with their heads held high...
Read more »
Pensioner, 70, had sex with teen, 13, behind Aldi while friend kept lookoutA pensioner had sex with a 13-year-old girl behind a supermarket while her friend was told to keep lookout.
Read more »
Snow Expected During Chilly Sunday in New EnglandCloudy skies, cold temperatures, wind chills in the 20s and snow! That pretty much describes our Sunday. We’re tracking snow pushing out of western New England eastward. This snow may spread as far east as Boston but it will be limited and difficult to accumulate in eastern Mass. Worcester county may see up to an inch or two of snow…
Read more »