Los Angeles County Health Officials Report Arcturus COVID-19 Strain May Cause Pink Eye

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed that the new COVID-19 strain, Arcturus, may cause conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. According to reports, three cases of the XBB.1.16 strain have been discovered in Los Angeles, with "observational data" suggesting that those infected may be more likely to experience this symptom. Although it is still too early to determine if conjunctivitis can be considered a symptom of Arcturus, local public health officials have advised residents to continue taking sensible COVID precautions to avoid infection from the new and likely more communicable strain. The release also noted that current vaccines and therapeutics are highly likely to remain protective and able to ward off severe illness, with health experts advising those to test for COVID-19 at home. With the CDC projecting that Arcturus now makes up about 8 percent of the COVID-19 cases in California and 10 percent in the country, officials warn that COVID-19 continues to evolve and people need to remain vigilant about protecting themselves.