The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that a new strain of COVID-19 is taking over in the U.S.
The latest round of data from the government agency says the XBB.1.5 strain now accounts for 40% of all cases in the U.S.
Health experts say the new, widespread strain does not cause more severe illness, but is more contagious than previous iterations of COVID.
“We’re seeing hospitalizations have been notching up overall across the country,” Dr. Barbara Mahon said. She leads the CDC’s COVID efforts. “They don’t appear to be notching up more in the areas that have more XBB.1.5.”
Experts urge caution and vaccination heading into the coldest winter months.
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