(PNA file graphics)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has detected 814 additional cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants.
In its latest coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) biosurveillance report released Wednesday, the DOH noted that 850 samples were sequenced by the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center Main, and Mindanao from June 30 to July 7.
Out of the total samples sequenced, about 785 or 92.35 percent were classified as XBB -- including 65 XBB.1.5 cases, 206 XBB.1.16 cases, 135 XBB.1.9.1 cases, 35 XBB.1.9.2 cases, and 254 XBB.2.3 cases) -- 20 or 2.35 percent as BA.2.3.20; one case or 0.12 percent as BA.2.75; one case or 0.12 percent as XBC; and seven or 0.82 percent as other Omicron sublineages.
“All detected XBB subvariants were local cases from all regions except Eastern Visayas, while BA.2.3.20 cases were from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and the Cordillera Administrative Region,” the DOH said.
“The recently detected BA.2.75 case was detected in Central Visayas while the lone XBC case was detected in SOCCSKSARGEN.”
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control labeled XBB.1.16, CH.1.1, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.9.2 and FE.1 as variants under monitoring as of May 17.
Meantime, the World Health Organization tagged BA.2.75, BQ.1, XBB, CH.1.1, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.92, and XBB.2.3 as variants under monitoring. (PNA)
