The U.N. health body said (pdf) that the subvariant is compromised of genetic material from the two Omicron strains of BA.1 and BA.2.
“The XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the United Kingdom” in January and at least 600 cases have been reported so far, according to WHO. “XE belongs to the Omicron variant until significant differences in transmission and disease characteristics, including severity, may be reported,” it clarified.
WHO noted that early estimates suggest a community growth rate of 10 percent more than BA.2, although further evidence is needed…