Here's the latest variant picture for China.

XBB.1.9.* "Hyperion" (39%) was driving the 2nd wave of recombinant lineages, with perhaps some slow growth for XBB.1.16.* "Arcturus" (24%).

There was a fairly dramatic surge in XBB.1.22.* "Bellatrix" (60%) in early June. Note that the samples from June 6 onwards are almost all from Hubei province (Wuhan region).

This looks like a clear signal of a fresh wave of reinfections. I couldn't find any current info on the situation in Hubei.

The sample volumes seem representative up to June 1, perhaps a week later for Hubei province.

#COVID19 #China #Hubei #XBB_1_9 #Hyperion #XBB_1_22 #Bellatrix
🧵

Here's the latest variant picture for Kenya.

XBB.1.22.* "Bellatrix" (48%) clan has been dominant recently, led by the FY.4 sub-lineage.

There was a rise in XBB.2.3.* "Acrux" (41%) clan in late May, led by the GE.1 sub-lineage.

The sample volumes are a bit sparse and patchy.

#COVID19 #Kenya #XBB_1_22 #Bellatrix #XBB_2_3 #Acrux

Interactive genomic sequencing dataviz, code, acknowledgements and more info here:
https://github.com/Mike-Honey/covid-19-genomes#readme

Here's the latest variant picture for the recently-nicknamed XBB.1.22.* "Bellatrix" variant.

First, an animated map showing the spread of the XBB.1.22.* "Bellatrix" variant around the world. The earliest sample was found in late November in New South Wales, Australia. After a lull, from late December onwards it was detected in China and then around the globe.

Locations are approximate - typically country and state/province.

Here's a link to download the video file - feel free to share anywhere:
https://github.com/Mike-Honey/covid-19-genomes/raw/main/covid-19-genomes-map-XBB-1-22-Bellatrix.mp4

#COVID19 #XBB_1_22 #Bellatrix
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Here's the latest variant picture for China.

XBB.1.9.* "Hyperion" (45%) is still dominant dominant.

XBB.1.16.* "Arcturus" (25%) looks like challenging next.

New clans XBB.1.22.* "Bellatrix" (9%) and XBB.2.3.* "Acrux" (8%) are beginning to rise.

The vigorous mix of very different variants raises the re-infection risk for anyone relying on natural immunity from a recent infection.

The sample volumes seem representative up to May 10.

#COVID19 #China #XBB_1_9 #Hyperion #XBB_1_16 #Arcturus #XBB_1_22 #Bellatrix #XBB_2_3 #Acrux

Interactive genomic sequencing dataviz, code, acknowledgements and more info here:
https://github.com/Mike-Honey/covid-19-genomes#readme