Covid-19 cases between 10 -16 October compared to the previous week. XXB was discovered in Singapore in August. It is a hybrid of Omicron's BA.2.75 and BJ.1 sub-variants.
It has now appeared in 17 countries across the globe. It is believed that XBB variant has "growth advantage" over BA.2.75 and immune evasive property.
Scientists have said that new variant is a result of an accumulation of changes in the virus' spike surface protein. Scientists involved in genome sequencing have reportedly said around 88% of India’s new infections were caused by BA.2.75 while XXB 7%.
In Singapore, XXB is dominant and the recent spike in new Covid cases in the island country can be attributed to it. Thailand has mounted checks for international passengers at its airport.