5 new Omicron subvariant cases detected in WV

The Department of Health (DOH) has detected five new cases of Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 in Western Visayas in its latest sequencing run.

In an online media forum today, May 31, DOH – Health Promotion Bureau Director Beverly Ho said three of the cases are returning overseas Filipinos from the United States of America and the other two are local cases.

All of the cases are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Ang lahat ng mga kasong ito ay nakatapos na po ng kanilang (All of them have finished) home isolation and considered asymptomatic and recovered,” Ho said.

The two local cases have two close contacts while the three ROFs have five contacts.

“So, we have a total of seven close contacts. Ang lahat ng ito ay tapos na rin po sa kanilang (All of them also completed their) isolation and are now tagged as recovered,” she said.
To date, the country has a total of 22 BA.2.12.1 cases.

Of the total cases, 18 are locally acquired – two from the National Capital Region, 12 from Puerto Princesa City, and four from Western Visayas.

The remaining four are ROFs currently residing in Western Visayas.

Omicron Subvariant BA.2.12.1

Scientists are still characterizing this Omicron sublineage Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 in terms of transmissibility and ability to cause more severe disease.

Preliminary data have shown that their mutations are associated with higher transmissibility and ability to evade immune response. However, currently available evidence does not suggest changes in disease severity or clinical manifestations.

The DOH COVID-19 surveillance system first detected BA.2.12.1 in two local cases from the National Capital Region who had no international travel history and were from the same cluster. Both cases experienced mild symptoms and tested positive last April 22, 2022. They were asymptomatic and have completed home isolation. The cases have been fully vaccinated.* (PNA/DOH)