Philippines detects first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.4

The Philippines has detected the Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant BA.4 in a Filipino citizen who flew in from the Middle East earlier this month, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The DOH said the asymptomatic patient, who arrived in the country on May 4, tested positive for Covid-19 four days later, reports Xinhua news agency.

Quoting data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the DOH said Omicron BA.4 is a variant of concern (VOC).

Compared to a variant of interest, a VOC is seen to either spread faster or cause worse illness, the DOH said, warning that BA.4’s faster transmission is likely because of its ability to evade immune protection.

0

0