Despite the detection several cases of the XBB.1.9.1 COVID-19 variant in the Philippines, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday it does not expect “outbreaks of massive proportions” to happen.
Dr. Babatunde Olowokure, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office Emergency Director, said the detection of the sub-variant in the country should be looked at positively as it only shows that systems are working to monitor variants.
Despite the slight increase, which may be attributable to the recent Holy Week break, Olowokure said indicators being closely monitored do not point to a rise in risk. In its latest surveillance report, the DOH said the subvariant wasadded to the list of variants under monitoring by the World Health Organization on March 30.
So far, the WHO said COVID-19 cases have decreased overall in the Philippines and are only seeing a slight rise in cases. “We need to provide information regarding risks and most of that risk relates to sick, dying, or dead poultry and also their attendance at wet markets,” Olowokure added. The health body recognizes that, in terms of transmissibility, the new variant may be a challenge. But with only a slight increase in cases for the Philippines, they are not looking at outbreaks of massive proportions.
Thirty-five of the 39 XBB.1.9.1 cases were tagged local — 22 from Davao Region; seven from Ilocos Region; four from the National Capital Region; and one each from Central Visayas and Soccsksargen.Previously, the country has logged 15 cases of the subvariant. “Among the BA.2.3.20 cases detected, one was classified as a ROF and the remaining cases were local cases from Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Central Visayas, and the Davao Region,” the DOH said.
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