Emma Arambula, 6th grader, got her vaccine series last fall and is ready for her booster (Photo – Ari G. Arambula)
A new COVID strain, XBB.1.5, has emerged as dominant in L.A. County, according to the most recent analysis of local samples from the County’s Health Department.
By News Desk
XBB.1.5 accounts for 32.8% of sequenced COVID-19 specimens in Los Angeles County for the week ending Jan. 21, 2023.
While new emergent strains have the potential to drive surges in transmission, L.A. County is currently reporting a steady number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations compared to the week prior, with deaths slightly lower from what was seen for most of January. Other parts of the country with significant transmission of XBB.1.5 also have not seen significant increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths.
Los Angeles County remains in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection’s (CDC) Low COVID-19 Community Level for the fourth consecutive week.
Because the new dominant strain has more potential to cause infection, Public Health officials are asking residents, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes, to consider using common-sense protections, such as getting the bivalent booster, testing before large gatherings, and seeking immediate treatment, if sick.
People over 50 and those with common health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, kidney or liver disease, or being overweight, are at greater risk of having severe illness or death from a COVID-19 infection. They and the people around them should take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Bivalent boosters offer significant protection even against the new COVID strains circulating. The bivalent booster is still free and available to adults and children ages 6 months or older two months after their last COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
As free vaccines, boosters, testing and treatment remain widely available throughout L.A. County, visit a community-based test to treat site or access telehealth services by calling 1-833-540-0473. Health services for homebound residents also are available.
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